SPIRITUAL DISTRUPTION
One of the most gifted speakers in church history was John Chrysostom. His denunciation of the lavish extravagance of the rich, ruling class, and his condemnation of human excesses infuriated many, including Empress Eudoxia who arranged for him to be exiled. When he was told of his fate, Chrysostom responded: “What can I fear? Will it be death? But you know that Christ is my life, and that I shall gain by death. Will it be exile? But the earth and all its fullness is the Lord’s. Will it be the loss of wealth? But we brought nothing into the world, and can carry nothing out. Poverty? I do not fear. Riches? I do not sigh for. Death? I do not shrink from.”
Jesus also, during His life on earth denounced the excesses of the religious practice of His time. At a time when His parents were searching for Him, the Bible says “And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.” Luke 2:46. Jesus carried with Him the mandate of heaven
that could not allow Him to shut up without confronting those religious bigots. He disrupted the spiritual atmosphere by engaging the religious leaders of His days. His passionate goal was to restore true righteousness within and outside the temple.
Our generation will sink deeper into religious confusion if we fail to challenge every order that is not of God. That is the only means through which we can expect revival in our generation. Jesus did exactly the same thing. “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matt 10:34.
Oppositions will come. If you are sure that you are living a truly righteous life, then, fight on! Join to sing along: We are able to go up and take that country; to possess the land from Jordan to the sea, though the giants may be on our way to hinder, God will surely give us victory. Only move on to the righteous side with God.
