November 5, 2012 (Psalm 4:8)
‘In peace I shall both lie down and sleep for You alone, Lord, make me secure.’ (Ps. 4: 8 NAB)
I confess that I fear for the Church. At times I am confused and frustrated by her lack of clarity. Even on issues in which she appears clear—sexual sin, upholding true marriage–she often has not the courage of her own convictions.
So I pray and make known the truth as best I can, employing the clear witness of Scripture, Church tradition, and my own witness and service. I do my part then trust God, confident that He is at work.
Sometimes, I weep and cry out for mercy over her indifference. At other times I am surprised by joy. A pastor whom I love and honor who has been cryptic at best in regards to his views on sexuality. Then last week he wrote of his utterly orthodox, compassionate ‘take’ on chastity and marriage. Though I trust God alone, I rejoice and draw life from the faithfulness of His servants. When shepherds walk in truth, the sheep can repent unto mercy.
‘You do not realize that you are wretched, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy for me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.’ (Rev. 3: 17, 18)
‘We love Your Church and cry out for her repentance. May zeal for her truth consume us; deliver us from our lukewarm spirit, we pray. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we confess our sins of cowardice and compromise. We have violated Your holy commands in regards to what we have done to our bodies and to other bodies. And in our compromise we have become cowards, unwilling to stand for what we know to be true for the dignity of all. We ask that You might have mercy on Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington; uphold marriage in these states, and in our nation, as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on ‘gay marriage.’
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