FOR ALL THE SAINTS

This is one of those days when all of the readings in the lectionary line up to highlight the faithful martyrs of the ages. In Psalm 55 we read that David had personal enemies and felt deeply betrayed, even by a good friend (so was Jesus, by Judas). He cries out to God in his distress and finds some comfort, even though things are not resolved. Nehemiah begins the work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, and along comes Sanballat, who not only threatens the work, but Nehemiah's life as well. I have felt like I have been betrayed in churches, that my biggest supporters and friends have turned on me. I have seen a surprising amount of ugliness in the church, as well as resistance from those outside. Thank God for examples in the Old Testament to let me know that I don't have it so badly.

The New Testament reading is from Revelation. The saints who have been martyred for their testimony are under the altar, and they cry out, "How long, O Lord, until you avenge our blood?" Indeed, how long? It's been over 1900 years since that book was written, and the saints are still being given white robes and told to wait "a little while longer." There are living martyrs today languishing in prisons, or hiding, starving and enduring who ask the same question and are given the same answer. "How long?" "Wait a little while."

Jesus tells the story about the enemy who did this (see my last entry for my own application of the farmer's statement), and then of the harvest at the end of the age. That's when it is finally pay day for all of the injustice. I just want to make sure I'm on the right side when justice is meted out!

"LORD, thank You that You waited until I stopped being Your enemy and became Your friend. Your patience continues to wait until all the saints are marked with Your seal. Thank You for all of the faithful saints through the years who have been true to Your name. But my prayer is Maranatha! Even so, come Lord Jesus."