From today’s reading...
From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the service of the gospel that God promised long ago through his prophets in the holy scriptures.” Romans 1:1-2
What was Paul’s reward for answering God’s call?
After about 30 years of traveling, healing, and preaching—and hiding from his former peers, i.e., government and Jewish zealots determined to persecute followers of “The Way”—he was beheaded in Rome. How’s that for a fine howdoyado?
As you read the Bible (and the history of Nazi Germany and Anne Frank and Viktor Frankl), don’t assume you’d be one of the few brave people standing at the foot of the cross or smuggling Jews to freedom.
History—and math—shows that you would be silent, complacent, non-confrontational at a minimum, if not one of the actual bad guys. (Don’t believe me? Look at the Brads and Karens yelling at each other for not wearing masks properly. Heck, my county created a snitch app to report businesses that were open last year, and people supported it!)
Courage is rare.
Courage takes conviction.
Courage requires a consuming passion.
Paul had it, and he gave his life for you and me to emulate Jesus.
Be like Jesus.
Be like Pau.
It’s the only way to...
Stay the course.
Keep the faith.
Endure.
Now go sell something.