#1983- Anonymity of Babylon

"I've always said that fame is fleeting, but anonymity can last a lifetime." -Joe Johnston

            When God does not do a lesser thing in our lives, he is just waiting to do a greater thing in our lives. From the beginning of man-kind's history, then as now, we know down deep inside (whether we want to admit it or not), that there is a superior being in charge of everything. And, not one of us can plead anonymity. He knows us, especially those of us who claim his name.

            This world traveler has seen the evidence of civilization's/culture's attempting to worship, or please to some measure, a force much greater than themselves. What does it take to convert or convince? The few survivors of the Great Flood of Noah's day surely could testify about the greatness of God, knowing that none could claim anonymity. Noah stood in that one doorway of the Arc, and begged those who had criticized/abused/mocked him to come aboard to escape the judgment lying ahead. There is no record that one person took advantage of the invitation. But, God shut that one door, and when it closed it did not re-open, and all drowned except Noah and his family; plus the animals that God chose to save, by placing them in the Arc two by two so that they may multiply. From that day to this, in spite of every invitation to salvation and redemption, men have chosen death instead of life.

            Within the heart of every human being, there is a need for individualism. Would life have not been much simpler if God had created all men with the same colored skin, the same mental capacity, the same "good looks," with no differences; everyone indifferent. What a dreary world, everything anonymous. The same landscapes, same flora (plants), and the same fauna (animals). No reason for anyone to be suspicious or jealous of anyone else. No reason for anyone not to understand anything, (or be confused in the world). Would man be happier without free-will, the ability to think and make decisions? Why do we all have such an "evil" opinion of God? The 3 million Jewish slaves delivered from Egyptian bondage, never did understand the sovereignty of God.

            Just think, a pillow of fire lighting their lifestyle for night, a cloud pillow protecting them during the day, free food falling out of the sky (manna); and later, expensive bird meat flying in at just the right height for capture. Yet, these "stiff-necked" Jews were in a state of constant rebellion, and all died in that desert wilderness (delivered by God through the Red Sea), except for Joshua and Caleb.  Then came the toleration of the seven civilizations/cultures that inherited the Promise Land...all Pagans. Such Paganism, as attempting to satisfy their false God by throwing their babies into a fire; but really, is it any different today...mothers and doctors hiding behind anonymity, killing their babies even before birth.

            I'm an old man, but still cannot understand why Christians prefer anonymity. In present day Babylon, most Christians only exercise a Christian spirit inside a church-house. Outside the church-house, as in the market place, civic/social/country-clubs, we want to be popular and accepted like our "heathen" friends. We don't even attempt to explain our faith (action based on belief, sustained by confidence). I know very few professing who could explain their possessing... even baptism or the Lords Table.

            I had a young man working for me in a construction business. He had a young family, and maybe (I hope) because he had been around me, had decided that his family should attend Church. There was a Church near his house, so on a Sunday morning, they put on their best and went to that Church-house. He said to me, "It was our first experience with 'religion' and enjoyed the singing, the people were nice. But, I want you to explain to me what they were doing passing around small pieces of bread and small cups of something to drink...WHAT WAS GOING ON?" Anyone who has ever witnessed the implosion of a building, timed explosives strategically placed inside a building so that the building implodes from the inside, falling into its foundation, could compare it to most churches. Most Christian churches have imploded, dying/crumbling internally. Certainly, the pastor or someone should have explained to this family the observance and passing of the Lords Supper.

            Evidently the Church just wants to be anonymous internally, as well as externally...at least in America. My friend, an attorney, has made many mission trips. He said on a recent trip to India, "Small Church, but these marvelous spirit-filled and humble people sat he and his fellow travelers on the front pew." He said that it was a hot, dirty day. But, the first thing these Christians did, in this Christ-centered church, was to bring basins of water, and washed their feet. He said, "If this does not bring tears to your eyes, then nothing will."

            Jesus told us that we should profess him, never be ashamed of him:

                " For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels." (Luke 9:26)