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ITLE: Getting Kicked
DATE: June 25, 2019 TEXT: Matthew 10:32-33 – ESV - “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. “But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Israel Folau is one of the world’s greatest, and highest paid, Rugby players in the world. Not so long ago, in an Instagram post, he shared a Bible verse about homosexuality being a sin and urged his fans to be turned toward Jesus. For his writing Folau was accused, and found guilty, of a high level breach of his contract. That means he could be released from his contract and, possibly Rugby. Without knowing what is in Folau’s contract, I can’t say if he was fairly, or unfairly treated. I don’t feel the same way about the flack being received by another Rugby player, Samu Kerevi. On Resurrection Sunday Samu posted this on Instagram: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Thank You Jesus for dying on the cross for me. I love you Jesus.” That beautiful witness was read and some said it was cut from the same bolt of cloth, the imagined-hatred cloth, as the comment on homosexuality. So strong were the voices of the critics, that Samu felt compelled to write: “I apologise to anyone that I have offended in giving praise to our God on a weekend that we take off to celebrate his Sacrifice for you and I,” On Tuesday, Samu added: “To be clear I’m not apologizing for my faith in Jesus Christ my Saviour, God will always come first in my life and many other professional rugby players.” No matter how you cut it, it would appear that there is a movement to silence the religious thoughts of Rugby players. Understand, we’re not just talking about what might be considered controversial topics… we’re referring to the Gospel in its most concise expression. I rejoice that these fellows are taking a stand. May they set an example for all of us. As one player wrote:“ “Seriously Might as well sack me and all the other Pacific Islands rugby players around the world because we have the same Christian beliefs….I will never apologise for my faith and what I believe in….” THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, persecution can take on many different forms. I pray for Your people all around the world who suffer for their faith. Grant them strength and a powerful reliance in their Redeemer Who alone can save.. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. The devotion for today was inspired by various recent news articles. For further reading you may wish to go to this address https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/michael-foust/rugby-star-apologizes-for-i-love-you-jesus-easter-post-after-backlash.html?utm_source=blueconic&utm_medium=contentrec: and the article written by Michael Foust The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html
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