For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
– Hebrews 12:3
It wasn’t a long line at the burger drive-through.
But it seemed to be moving slowly. Maybe it was just because it was New Year’s Eve. I’d had a tiring day caring for sick family members and had to hurry back to the pity party I was throwing.
My turn finally came to order, and I saw why it was taking so long. The young man on the other side of the speaker was obviously new to the job. He was so lost in the menu that he lost me, too. We fumbled through the order while the driver behind me head banged and sang to loud music in her car. It looked like she had celebrated a little too much already.
Suddenly she erupted.
“Move it, b****!” she yelled at me out her window. Shocked, I jerked the car into gear and scurried out of her way. Embarrassment gave way to anger as I paid for the food and hit the gas. I fumed all the way home.
Before I pulled into the driveway, I grudgingly prayed for her. As I did, God reminded me that this woman was His creation. Beloved. Lost and pursued by One who has suffered many indignities; a King incognito who has endured, on behalf of the undeserving, the worst hostility mankind could unleash. He suffered because of who He is. I was simply embarrassed because I was in the way.
It’s a mean world out there.
The devil is on the loose and the blasphemies grow both in number and intensity. As we navigate the dangerous waters of faith, we are reminded by God’s Word that our goal is not safety. Our charge is to faithfully finish the journey we are given and to offer rescue to all we meet along the way. Royalty in rags, we walk the valley of the shadow and bring light to its depths.
We will suffer hostility along the way. But we follow in beautiful footsteps.
Photo 26439271 © Daniel Thornberg | Dreamstime.com
