48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 And they all left him and fled. 51 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him,52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.
St. Mark 14:48-52
When all twelve of the disciples had bailed on Christ one young man followed. Anyone else been feeling like everyone’s bailing lately? Anyone feeling like the young man? Alone and vulnerable?
In the last few months I’ve been saddened over pastors I had admired and grown under throwing in the cloth for the flesh. A woman I had considered a mentor and another woman who leads children in praise music recently celebrated the supreme courts decision on social media.
I’ve sat in an arena with thousands of people while the lead singer of a popular contemporary christian band told the crowd we are boxing Gods grace in when we decide that sin matters. I hoped he had misspoken but when that band was the entertainment for a major women’s conference a few months later I got to listen to the same speech word for word again.
I’ve watched some who lead our children’s ministries decide their marriage is optional.
I’ve experienced a member of the church encouraging political decisions based on monetary gain that he refers to as our best interest, rather than our true best interest which is our eternal interest… the whole wide worlds eternal interest.
It seems that old saying, which has no biblical basis by the way, “too heavenly minded to be any earthly good” has been flipped. It seems we are too earthly minded to be any heavenly good. That does have biblical basis by the way.
So now our choice is this. Do we drop the cloth and run away now? Do we decide that because someone we love would be offended or because insurance is expensive or because our bank account would be more comfortable that we are willing to bail on Christ? Here’s the thing, the young man escaped with his life but not his dignity. We may keep our dignity but lose life.
For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
A Relentless Surrender 
Nice post well said. Who made that speech if I may ask?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am reluctant to say only because I never want to use my blog as a platform for mud flinging or open it up to ugly debates and comments. However, I do believe it needs to be called out as I was at a Rock and Worship Rhoadshow which is geared toward teens and young people. I was sickened to see 5000 people manly youth packed in an arena being given this false hope. Then again at Women of Faith with thousands more people he repeated the same message word for word. So while I would agree that they have some great songs out I’m disappointed in Mercy Me and Bart Millard for their message. I hope I said that well. It’s not my goal to say it in any way other than love. It’s not fun but sometimes requires bluntness and boldness.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks I was afraid you meant them. And I understand what you mean about mud flinging so thank you. Yes sometimes we just have to say what we have to say. Diluting it brings no one to Jesus
LikeLiked by 2 people
This very subject has been on my mind a lot as well. The more “worldly” this place that we call our temporary home gets… the more and more I want to retreat into a hole and just stay there. So many people choose worldly things and what the people of this world call “okay”, it saddens me. I am deeply saddened for what is “okay” anymore. Rather than teaching God’s Word, our living, tangible connection to God, society and culture is teaching tolerance.
This is huge coming from an extrovert, but every day I am becoming more and more of a social minority. Thus leading to an introvert, that would just like to curl up in my home, lock the door and say goodbye to the outside world.
I love you, and your heart very much!! Hugs and kisses to yours!
Susie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Susie. I agree 100%. Our sinsitivity as tainted our ability to decide right and wrong. Now in many instances even the voice of the church has become muddied.
I love you and appriciate your comment and support. Hugs!
LikeLike
Very well said, my friend. These are hard times, indeed, but we must band together and stand for Him. I berated myself for not being to as bold in my words at the beginning of this month as I wanted to be. I was dismayed to find I was in a minority even among my readers on the Supreme Court decision and so I fled as Jonah and threw out my original post. It wasn’t that I didn’t think what I posted instead wasn’t adequate, but I was saddened I didn’t get as point-blank as I wished to. The wrestle for love and truth all at once is so hard! But, I thank you for being one in the trenches beside me. You strengthen and inspire, my dear. God bless.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Marissa. You most certainly aren’t alone. I do know we feel like the young man in St. Marks account of Jesus’ betrayal. Everyones jumped ship and we feel alone and inadiquit to stand with Him alone. Know you aren’t alone. And yes the balance of love and Truth can be hard to navigate.
Side note: I apologize for being so behind on your posts. If you haven’t noticed I have fallen behind on mine too. It’s time to stop and reevaluate my time management and priorities. Hugs!
Gina
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a comfort to not be alone. 🙂 And I completely understand! Time management is tough, especially for busy mamas! I have just been hoping and praying all is well for you and yours. And admittedly was thrilled to see your post today. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderfully said. Wish I could be eloquent and write a long commentary about how your message resonated in my heart but I’m rubbing the back of a three year old who isn’t feeling well . Bravo for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Christine! I am so encouraged to see how many people share my feelings. It reminds me that the feelings of loneliness and overwhelming impossibility are just lies of the devil. We may be the minority but we serve a big God.
I love that you are distracted by loving your baby. That you would make time for me amongst the back rubbing is a gift. Thank you.
LikeLike
Excellent post, Gina. I totally agree. The true message of the gospel will offend people because it forces us to choose or reject Christ (truth). But it ultimately comes down to offending man or God – I’ll stick to the former. This is what the fear of the Lord is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed! Thank you for the comment.
Gina
LikeLike
Best Wishes to all the Familys and Good luck…I will Miss him too but Elaine called Him back and now He is happy there and He will always be with You to&32#8oo0;Love Glenda — Glenda Brookfield
LikeLike