Suddenly there are three hurricanes named; Claudette is nearing land, Ana is weakening, and Bill is gathering strength in the Atlantic. It was just a week or so ago the weathermen were worrying about the ‘quiet season’.
We had an interesting discussion Saturday morning. Such things pop up now and then sort of unexpectedly and delight the moment, many people miss such things because they do not attend any Bible study, they find it "too boring", is not worth the time or effort, or really they know it all already. Sort of sad.
Anyway, what really did Jesus mean when He said, “You are in the world, but not of the world?”(John 17, 13 – 17) He is saying they will stay in the world, and here they are promised “troubles” (16,33). For Jesus told them that “the world hated them for they are not of the world even as I am not of the world.” V.15.
Just what does it mean? The world “hates you.” It’s really the natural reaction to this new life of yours. St. Peter wrote of it, “They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.” 1 Peter 4,4.
You are marching to a different drummer. The Christian really takes the words of Psalm 119, for instance, seriously. Words like this mean something for guiding one's life. “I’m going to do what you tell me to do” and “I have hidden your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against you”. Psalm 119,5.11.
That explains Joseph’s reaction when the wife of his boss tried to lure him into adultery. He cried out, “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God”. Her seduction said, “Come, nobody will know. Nobody’s here.” Joseph saw clearly what God said and wanted, and that guided his action, and his life, that finally led to his blessings.
A German poet gave us an expression – No, I will not use His words because few of you have had the privilege of sitting at he feet of Uncle Willie to learn the language – but it means, “We are used to having people sneer at what they don’t understand”.
“Thy Word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path”. Ps. 119,105. Living that life, led by a different guide, gives sinners offence, because it highlights their own sin, it tears at them that one can stand as you do and not join in the “fun” they are "enjoying". So the world “hates you”. Just live with it, for Jesus is praying "that You protect them from the evil one", but He does send you into the world to represent HIM. May your presence ever prove such a blessing to you, and to those who see you live.
GPD 8/18/09
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