John 20:19 (KJV)
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Just about a year ago, my wife and I were privileged to visit a number of churches scattered around the United Arab Emirates. These churches operate underground, but for the most part we would never have known it. They hold regular services at which they sing joyfully and preach the gospel clearly. They conduct evangelistic outreach, hold camps and special services; anything we in a free world would do on a regular basis, they did as well.
But they are underground and, in small (and some not-so-small) ways, we witnessed it.
In a midweek service, the believers were gathered and the song service was underway. We were singing with joy, holding nothing back, when suddenly the song leader held up his hand in a stop motion. I don’t hear so well, so my wife explained what was happening. There was a knock on the door. Everyone stopped singing so our voices would not carry outdoors while the doorkeeper found out whether it was someone coming to services, someone coming to complain, or the police.
In another church, the congregation met in a high-rise apartment. The pastor there joked that they were an underground church meeting six stories up. But they had soundproofed the room with foam boards. He said when they first began holding services and could not yet afford the board, they had stapled old egg cartons to the walls and ceiling to dampen the sound. They preached without reservation and sang loudly and cheerfully.
But in every case, they were aware of their surroundings.
Fear had not paralyzed them. It only made them conscious.
Imagine those disciples assembled, doors shut, and very aware that Jesus Christ, the One to whom they had committed their souls, had been crucified. They had not scattered. They had not separated or disbanded. They were together, assembled, cautious, but not quitting.
And in walks Jesus!
I want to say that these are days we must be aware of our surroundings, but we must not quit our service for the Lord. We assemble not out of fear of what might be done to us but for the souls of those who do not know our Saviour.
And as we meet, aware of the dire need around us, conscious of how little we possess to effect change, we pray, we wait, we hope for that day when the LORD steps in.
#DailyVisitWithGod #John20v19 #FaithOverFear #FaithfulUnderPressure #JesusInOurMidst
Courageous Christian Faith: Cautious, But Not Quitting
Be Cautious, But Don't Quit!
The disciples gathered behind closed doors, but they had not abandoned their faith. And Jesus stood in their midst!
Whatever challenges may come, don't allow fear to silence your witness, separate you from your church, or stop your service for Christ. Keep assembling, keep praying, and keep looking for the Lord to work!
Are you remaining faithful, even when circumstances are difficult?
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