Pray for the South Korean Hostages

[...] UPDATE: (07/31/2007): Thanks to Scot McKnight for pointing out that Eugene Cho is blogging through this situation. And, yes, his concern that, “Seriously, does anyone care?” is a sad reality. [...]

scot,
thanks for pointing folks to the situation with the hostages.

This post links well with the one about losing faith. I’m having a moment, now. Not losing faith in God but in our understanding of God. How can we keep playing church and spending fortunes on our own comfort and worshiptainment, sleepig in our comfortable beds, watching television and movies that turn violence into entertainment so we can escape from the reality that’s more horrifying than any fiction? Why doesn’t God just smite us?

Beyond Words,
I guess only because he did that once…and there is still hope that some will get it. The words of the prophet always “smite” the covenant-breakers–it remains to be seen who accepts the chastisement and rebute and repents and realigns with God’s mission, eh?
I am praying with Eugene and others who have not forgotten our Korean brethren…certainly God has not forgotten them. May their laying down of their lives for the sake of the Gospel bring glory to God and be used in ways that we just cannot comprehend.
We all need to be prepared for the blessing of being chosen to suffer for Christ…not many are.
Be blessed.

Thanks, Peggy. I agree with you, these are just anguished words pouring out.
The Lord taught us to pray, “Lead us not into the time of trial,” and sometimes, I pray, “help me persevere if you choose me to suffer for you.”
I think what I’m trying to figure out is: is the fact that we aren’t chosen a rebuke and not a blessing?
I have been unable to do anything for the past hour but pray.

Beyond Words,
It would seem to me that you have responded appropriately to the sting of rebuke…prayer is always the best first response!
I don’t believe that not suffering martyrdom is a rebuke. I think that we are called to suffer in many ways as we live counter-culturally wherever we find ourselves. My point is that we always needs to be ready–spiritually and emotionally and physically and economically–to have all that we take for granted abruptly removed. It would happen at any time in any place under any circumstances.
Is it better to die for Christ or to live for Christ? I would say there can be no choice of either/or…first we must always live each day for Christ, and we will all eventually die–we must make sure it is a death that glorifies God! Now, that could use some pondering…

realmealministries.org » Pray for the Christ-followers who are Captives in Afghanistan

[...] Here are some links: Jesus Creed and Silence in the Godblogosphere. [...]

Thanks for alerting us Scot. I’ve added the story plus links to my blog. I’m praying for these Korean hostages and their families. May God strengthen them, comfort them and give them peace. May He come to their aid and release them quickly.

Scot,
I am very glad you posted regarding this very sad and troubling story. These people need the prayer of the church. They have mine.