WHO WOULD YOU RISK YOUR LIFE FOR?
Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.
Romans 16:3-5 (NLT)
We don't know the details of what Paul is talking about. We only know that this couple put their lives on the line for him. That tells us everything we need to know about their commitment to Christ and their friendship with the apostle.
A popular American teaching known as the prosperity gospel is spreading around the world. These pastors teach that God promises health, wealth and prosperity to His faithful children, especially if you give generously to one of their ministries. Hardship? Trials? They teach that those point to a weak faith or some hidden sin. What shocks me is how many Christians buy this nonsense. The entire New Testament screams the opposite. Jesus was blunt: "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.... Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you (John 15:18-20, NLT)."
The early church faced three hundred years of brutal persecution. Millions of believers still get jailed, beaten or killed for following Jesus today. Here in the USA, we've got it easier than most, but being a real follower of Christ has never been a ticket to ease, comfort and pleasure.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously said, When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die. Unlike many around the world, most of us will not be called to risk our lives for the Gospel or a friend. Priscilla and Aquila did. I wonder how many of my friends would do that for me in a similar situation? Am I that kind of friend? Being a true servant of Christ and standing up for the faith is costly, but nothing is more worthwhile.
Priscilla and Aquila were faithful during extremely hard times. I hope I'd be that kind of faithful friend. Living a life that matters is not about the riches and fame the world so desperately seeks. Paul thanks them for their costly faithfulness. What an incredible challenge for all of us.
APPLICATION: Who would I actually risk my life for? Am I willing to sacrifice my comfort, time, money and even my life for the Gospel and cause of Christ? Will I stand up for a friend who needs me?
PRAYER: Lord, help me be more like Priscilla and Aquila, ready to serve and sacrifice it all for You and the Kingdom of God. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?