I try to get along with people. I am after all commanded to love and God does. Not everyone will get along with me. I already know that persecution is promised to all who live godly lives in Christ Jesus. It is interesting at the current moment how certain, otherwise different, groups will align to hate Israel. I saw a group of transsexuals advocating for the destruction of Israel and the promotion of Hamas. What in the world could unite people who could not ever coexist? Mutual hatred of the Jews. They are strange bedfellows. In the same way, in Jesus day- the response to His healing people on the Sabbath united the Herodians and the Pharisees. Now that was a miracle in an of itself.
He entered a synagogue again; and a man was there whose hand was withered. And they were watching Him closely to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!” And He said to them, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent. After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might put Him to death. Mark 3:1-6 NASB
Am I too concerned about how others will respond when I stand up for truth and godliness? I wonder what strange bedfellows have been drawn together against God in our day?
God, as this day begins- I am so grateful for Your goodness, love and forgiveness. I pray for the promise- ‘when a man’s way please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him’. While I desire peace, I also recognize that others may not. I commit to the truth of scripture afresh today. Now, may You lead and guide me to reach out and love people in Jesus name today. Maybe I will become a strange bedfellow to someone far from You as I lead them to a saving relationship in Christ.
