Читать книгу Modern Lutheran Theology - Alexandra Glynn - Страница 9

In John 9:34 it says: “They answered and said unto him, ‘Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us?’ And they cast him out.” Sometimes the children of God are cast out. When this happens, dear one, do not think it strange.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings. That, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye. For the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. On their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified (1 Pet 4:12–14).

It is written about those who say they are Christians, but are not, that God will make it clear to them and us and all the world what the true state of matters is:

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience . . . (Rev 3:9–10).

For it must always be that the devil tries to ruin the children of God. As it is written: “The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of an upright way of life” (Ps 37:14).

When we are cast out, let us remember Jesus and say: “Behold, for peace I had great bitterness. But thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption. For thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back” (Isa 38:17). And: “Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word. Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified.’ But he shall appear unto your joy and they shall be ashamed” (Isa 66:5). For they cast us out in the name of God, and think that they do God great service in casting us out. Please remember, dear one, that they really do think that they serve God by being against us. This speaks to their blindness, and requires compassion on our part. Whoever is merciful will receive mercy, so let us be merciful to them, and to all people. For as it was with David, so it is with us: “They also that render evil for good are my adversaries, because I follow the good” (Ps 38:20).