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Day 47: Church Wounds (SoS 1:6c)

“Do not look upon me, because I am dark, Because the sun has tanned me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; They made me the keeper of the vineyards, But my own vineyard I have not kept.” Song of Solomon 1:6

The Bride says her mother's sons (her brothers) were angry with her. It's a statement that indicates persecution among people that should love and accept us unconditionally.

Mother's sons or brothers here refer to fellow believers especially those who have been in the faith longer than we have. Paul in Galatians 4:19 talks about travailing in birth like a woman would, to bring forth spiritual children. Verses 26-28 of the same chapter refer to the heavenly Jerusalem that bore us all. Then in 1 Thessalonians 2:6-8, Paul talks about nurturing younger believers as a mother nurtures her children.

We see many examples of persecution from unexpected sources in the Bible. From Joseph's brothers selling him to slavery to David running from Saul to Jesus dying like a common thief and the early church being persecuted by the religious leaders of Israel.

When our passion for our Beloved Jesus begins to show like the Bride's love for the king, persecution arises from those in and out of the church not because we're in the wrong for loving Jesus zealously but because of the imperfections of men. This is due to a couple of reasons:
  1. Zeal challenges spiritual dullness/complacency:
Zeal is a powerful emotion that makes those who do not have it uncomfortable. It's supposed to encourage people to reach for more but many would not respond as expected. We must learn to not be fazed or discouraged by their comments and actions. We must also learn to be unoffended by it.

An example of this was when David danced unashamedly as the Ark of the Lord was brought to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6. Micah did not understand his zeal for the Lord, so she criticized him.
  1. Lack of spiritual maturity/understanding of fellow believers, even church leaders:
Position or longevity in the faith is not an indication of intimacy or growth in men's relationship with Christ. These spiritual leaders or fellow believers like the Pharisees often defend old doctrines and norms, exalting culture above actions motivated by love for God and people. Paul in 1 Corinthians 14 while addressing spiritual gifts says in verse 20 to not be children in understanding but mature.

Jesus accused the Pharisees in Mathew 15:9 of teaching as doctrines the traditions of men and not God's true laws. They were zealous but according to Paul in Romans 10:2, it was ignorant zeal.  Paul without understanding too persecuted the early church till he had an encounter with Jesus.
  1. Unchecked zeal:
Passion for God as Jeremiah said in the Bible is like fire shut up in our bones. We raise our hands higher, dance harder, pray louder, give more, and find ourselves consumed with zeal for His church. It's beautiful to be excited about it, but zeal is a powerful emotion that must be seasoned with wisdom and humility.

Persecution sometimes can be avoided if we temper zeal's brashness with wisdom and humility.  I'm not saying we should not respond to the work of the Spirit in us, or that we should hold back because we don't want people to be uncomfortable. But we must be careful not to think or act like we're better than those who do not have or express passion as we do.

An example of unchecked zeal was Joseph. Even though God used his brothers' persecution to bring him to His desired end, I believe Joseph had no business telling his brothers his dreams when they had such a sensitive meaning.

If you're facing persecution right now, take courage, it's part of the deal. If you have been critical of other people's way of worship or lack of fire, repent today. And if you lack passion in your service to God, you can ask for it along with the grace to stand regardless of the persecution that comes with it.

PRAY WITH ME:
Lord, I forgive everyone who has criticized or hurt me in the past because of my love for you. Grant me wisdom and a humble heart as I express my passion for You. Let my tenderness for others grow as my zeal for You does and give me the grace to remain steadfast despite persecution. Amen.

REFLECT AND ACT:
  • Many of us have been hurt by church leaders and fellow believers and we still will be. Jesus in Matthew 5:44 tells us what our response should be:
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
  • So today, pray for those who have hurt you in the past especially fellow believers. Forgive them wholeheartedly and ask the Lord to work on their hearts. Pray also for those you know who seem complacent in their walk with Jesus.
  • Evaluate your walk with Jesus so far, if you do not have a zeal for Him or His church ask for it. Ask the Lord also to show you ways to be wise and humble in expressing your love for Him.

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