unjustly excommunicated from the fellowship of their church where they
have served faithfully? Let’s assume they have upheld the authentic
teachings of their particular denomination and that their
“conversation” (1 Peter 3:16, KJV, behavior) has been exemplary; how
should they behave?
They have the inspiring example of Jesus: He was excommunicated by the
legal body of the people who at that time constituted the true church
of God in the world--His representatives.
(1) Through the Holy Spirit God inspired four eye-witnesses of this
unjust and illegal proceedings to write four books that detail the
story of His trial and condemnation. They are the Matthew, Mark, Luke,
and John. These four books have been widely circulated around the
world and they justify Jesus.
(2) At His trial, when “one of the officers” slapped Him in the face
“with the palm of his hand,” Jesus surprises us: He protests this
unfair act instead of turning His cheek to ask the cruel man to do it
over again (John 18:22). But after He protests, He meekly endures the
high priest refusing to defend His solemn rights under Moses’ law.
(3) The Son of God prays for those who murder Him (Luke 23:34)--the
ultimate length of wrongful excommunication (the heartfelt intent of
the act, 1 John 3:15).
(4) Up until the veil of the temple is rent in two when Jesus actually
dies on His cross, the Jewish “church” remains the true church of that
time (Matt. 23:38; 27:51); Jesus gives an example of submission to
injustice within it. He inspires us today to endure.
(5) Paul considers it an honor to experience “the fellowship of
[Christ’s] sufferings, being made conformable unto His death” (Phil.
3:10). Christ won’t forsake us!
(6) This confidence will keep people sweet and gentle under all kinds
of provocation.
(7) Thus they will be privileged to bring honor to their Savior. He
actually needs them!
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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