“Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:26-28
While trying to start this new year with a few different directions, the above passage might be tough for some in this fallen world. The words of Jesus tell us to ‘love your enemies’ are difficult for all sinners to follow. As sinful Christians, here in North America and also in Haiti, we will ultimately make enemies. Somebody is going to hold a grudge against you or blame you for bringing problems upon their physical or financial wellbeing.
Although it will not be our plan of action, simply believing the truth and doing what is right will cause us to lose many of our earthly friends or acquaintances. Suffice to say and never forget that there is a Friend in heaven who will reveal Himself to us one day as He gave His life on the cross of Calvary for you, me and that ‘enemy’ if they too believe in Him.
This young child has an enemy in Haiti; the local vodou priest; and they are afraid of him. He wants them to believe in the lies of satan and may even want to take their lives so he can use their body parts in his sacrifices to the spirits of the evil world. Just as Christ instructs us to pray for our enemies, He teaches this child to pray for the vodou priest. And the gang members, the politicians and the rest on that list. Christ came to earth to seek and save the lost because this entire world needs a Savior. Thank you for helping to prepare these children attending Christian schools to finish well in their lives; may their witness bring many more into the Kingdom.
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, 8not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay