Spreading The Fire!

What makes us GLAD? Is it something which provides a GLADNESS that cannot be easily snuffed out? What does the true joy of our life rest upon?

In Psalms we read…
“(6) Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; (7) you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has ANOINTED YOU WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS beyond your companions;” ( Psalm 45:6-7 ESV)

According to the Hebrew writer this psalm referred to Jesus, the Son of God. ( Hebrews 1:8-9) Isaiah referred to a time when mourning would be replaced with the “OIL OF GLADNESS” ( Isaiah 61:3), a section of Isaiah which Jesus Himself associated with His having come into the world. ( Luke 4:16-21) One of the characteristics of the early church was a spirit of GLADNESS ( Acts 2:46) in their new found faith and the fellowship they enjoyed with one another. Their lives were on fire for Christ and the Good News of salvation in Him.

We see, then, how the “OIL OF GLADNESS” was associated both with Christ as well as with those who were to accept Him as the Messiah. This GLADNESS, accompanied by a steadfast faith, created a fire that burned deep within these believers. However, some were intent on putting that fire out! Now, if water is dumped on burning oil it can cause the oil to splatter and spread the fire rather than putting it out. When the persecution of the church began to intensify following the stoning of Stephen, that is exactly what became the result of the attempt to put out the fire of faith possessed by these first century Christians.

Luke recorded…
“(1) And Saul approved of his [Stephen’s] execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and THEY WERE ALL SCATTERED THROUGH THE REGIONS OF JUDEA AND SAMARIA, except the apostles. … (4) Now THOSE WHO WERE SCATTERED WENT ABOUT PREACHING THE WORD. … (8) So there was MUCH JOY in that city [Samaria (vs.5)].” ( Acts 8:1, 4, & 8 ESV)

The attempt to stop the growth of the church actually helped to fulfill the spreading of the Gospel as Christ described it prior to His ascension. ( Acts 1:8) Though their faith was tested, the fire could not be extinguished. The persecution only served to spread the Gospel of Jesus to wherever these Christians ended up going. The efforts to put out this growing fire of faith only caused it to “splatter” and ignite more fires in other regions.

When our faith is opposed it’s our opportunity to show the sincerity of it. If others see the genuineness there, they will be more likely to believe the testimony we share. May we resolve to not let anyone or anything put our fire out, recognizing how our steadfastness has the potential to ignite the faith of others. Focusing on the life we have in Christ, let us live a life filled with the “OIL OF GLADNESS”, as we continually fan the flame of faith!

Have a great day DISTINGUISHED BY AN INEXTINGUISHABLE FAITH AND JOY!
Carl

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