A Goody From Woody

In everyday language, Jesus says in Matthew 5:11-12, “Give a cheer!” Is He serious? Let’s read this in the Message. "Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.”

Do you see both the problem and the solution Jesus is talking about?

When people oppose us (and the Gospel) we find it easy to become hard and angry. If we go on the defensive we are likely to forget the goal (salvation) and lose our joy in the process.

May I suggest the solution in the words of Eugene H. Peterson? “When we dance our faith, the enemy is disarmed and drawn into the celebration. Leaping joy is the sanity of blessing in a lunatic society. “ (Daily Readings)

What do you have that God has given you for which you can rejoice and be glad? Can you give a cheer in His name? Go ahead—say it quietly, but sincerely, “Yeah God!!!”

We are not called to fight the world, the flesh and the devil with this world’s weapons. We are called to be “witnesses” for Jesus—witnesses who love Him passionately and will witness with love, peace, and joy!

Don’t quit. Don’t give up. As Jesus says it, “You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.” (Matthew 5:10)

“So when that happens – give a cheer, even! For though they don’t like it, I do. And all heaven applauds.” (Matthew 5:12)

God Bless,
Woody Church

Would you like a C. S. Lewis quote? “I think we all sin by needlessly disobeying the apostolic injunction to ‘rejoice’ as much as by anything else.”