Roman Candles

S - 1 Peter 3:15-16

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

 

O - Peter wrote this letter to believers living throughout the Roman Empire.   These were dark times for Christians when the Emperor Nero made sport of torturing and murdering them wherever they were found in his empire.   History tells us that Rome was lit up at night by the light from the incinerating bodies of Christian men, women, and children who were soaked with oil then tied alive to poles and lit on fire.   For Peter to exhort his brethren to  give a defense for their faith with EVERYONE who asks in light of the grave consequences was simply scandalous. Wouldn't it make more sense to keep their faith in the closet at least until there was regime change?  What was even more scandalous was that many did make a stand for their faith.  And many were killed.  And the chariots of Rome enjoyed well lit streets at night for many, many years.

 

A -  It's not easy being a Christian.  It's difficult when people turn against you when they discover that you have chosen to genuinely follow Jesus. It's especially difficult when those people are people you love.   Just today, Kim and I had to endure many vicious attacks from my own family simply because we're not having our wedding ceremony at a Catholic  church.  They are all traditional Vietnamese Catholics and for me to follow Christ in a way that does not include Mary worship, statues, priests, or sacraments is offensive to them.  I have struggled with this issue for several years and finally I have come to the peace that I and my wife must serve our Lord and not the traditions of man.  Chances are, there won't be any blood relatives representing the groom at our wedding.  But my Father will be there by my side.  And as Jesus once said,

"Who is My mother and who are My brothers?"

And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."  Matt 12:48-50 NKJV

 

P -  Father, I thank You for counting Kim and I worthy  of suffering shame on behalf of Your Son, Jesus. May we always be reminded of the faith exampled by your children throughout history who chose to suffer even unto death rather than disgrace the Name of Your Son, who gave His all. Amen.