THE REBEL JESUS

I have enjoyed the music of the Chieftains for many years. I think I purchased their CD called The Belles of Dublin over 10 years ago. The Chieftains are a traditional Irish band  from Dublin, Ireland. Their sound, which is almost entirely instrumental and largely built around uilleann pipes (the national bagpipes of Ireland), has become synonymous with traditional Irish music and they are regarded as having helped popularize Irish music across the world.

The Chieftains from Last.fm

One song on this CD that has always captivated me is The Rebel Jesus. The words describe a Christmas scene and how many of us go about the Christmas season. We buy presents for our friends and family, we may take an annual pilgrimage  to church, and we might consider giving something to those less fortunate.

All of these are good, but as the song instructs us, there is more.  Read these words of the third verse:

"We guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when Christmas comes
We give to our relations
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why they are poor
They get the same as the rebel Jesus."

As we look back at 2012, we are thankful for the many who have "interfered in the business of why they are poor" by volunteering at and financially supporting your Faith in Action. You are Faith in Action. Also, we are asking for your continued support in 2013 as we focus on the "why they are poor." 

The Rebel Jesus
(Click on The Rebel Jesus to hear this song.)

Be Strong and Courageous

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

When have you been afraid? I remember growing up in our holler on the Benham Road in Bristol, VA being awaken one night by the scream of a bobcat. My adrenaline was pumping and my heart was racing. Adrenaline has numerous effects on different parts of the body such as more blood will traveling to our brains which makes our minds keener.  The adrenaline kick will usually last for one or two minutes, during which time you’ll have hopefully dealt with the dangerous situation. Isn't the design of the body by God amazing? Adrenaline may allow us to show more courage in dangerous situations.

I recently read a list of things that frighten us. The top ten are as follows:

survivingsurvivalism.com 

1. Fear of flying
2. Fear of public speaking
3. Fear of heights
4. Fear of the dark
5. Fear of intimacy
6. Fear of death, dying
7. Fear of failure
8. Fear of rejection
9. Fear of spiders
10. Fear of commitment

According to this list, we would rather die than fly or be required to speak in public. I did find it humorous that fear of clowns was number 22. I guess some people do fear me (my friend Phil Leonard always said I was a clown.)

I must admit I was fearful this week after seeing how divided we are in our country as shown in the election results. What really concerns me is our inability to address real issues without lying about the issues and then demonizing our political opponents. Our country has major issues to address and it will not be led from the White House but from our houses. Christians will be required more now than ever to be strong and courageous.

We may think this thing of courage is not required but according to the first chapter of Joshua it is a command. Actually God is commanding Joshua to be strong and courageous. But with God there is always a promise. God told Joshua “for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

We can let fear dominate our life or we can choose to be strong and courageous. We can let fear grip our heart and influence our decisions. We can rationalize why we can’t be strong or courageous. We can justify why we should be discouraged and drown in self-pity and yet what does God command? “Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

“The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” What a wonderful promise for the family of God.