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Fortified City, Iron Pillar or Bronze Wall



 “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 1:17-19)
          All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes (Matthew 10:22-23)
          That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.(John 15:19-21)



           Several years ago, R. C. Sproul, Jr. gave a talk about the greatest Evangelical scandal. He said that it is that we are scandalized by non-Christians not liking us. He might be close, but we should at least be more scandalized about the extent to which we call God a liar. Our shock that non-Christians don't like us means that we aren't believing what the Bible says about the world. Today's passages aren't the only ones that discuss this matter but they make it clear that those who follow God will be attacked for it. Want an eye-opener? Read Hebrews 11. 
         Everyone wants to be loved, but God didn't command us to be lovable. He commanded us to love. He warns us that we will be hated and if you're not hated, chances are good that you're doing something wrong. This isn't a call to be unloving or deliberately offensive but a warning that people are going to be offended by you and hate you if you live in accordance with Scripture. 
          God promised us that we would face tribulation. Tribulation should be an honor for us if our suffering is for God's honor. Again, this isn't a call to seek martyrdom or abuse, but to be ready when abuse comes. God tells us to be a fortified city, an iron pillar or a bronze wall when the government, religious folks, and the people of the land attack. It's a kind of zombie apocalypse but there is one safe place to stand: with God, no matter what happens. 

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In the Sky:
Full Moon (set 7:47 am 276   rise 7:53 pm 87)

 

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