The Romance of God (Thanks Ricky) March 31, 2007

The following is a bulletin from my friend Ricky Brock the Jesus lovin Ninja...and my response to it.

The Romance Of God

I just read a story from the Jesus freak book by D.C. talk, if your unfirmiliar with it it's simply a book of compiled stories of Christians who have been imprisoned, tortured, and killed for their faith.

I just read a story that caused my to fall backwards and laugh tearfully. I would like to share it.

When Nijole Sadunaite was sentenced to three years in prison she said to the court, "This is the happiest day of my life. I was judged today for the cause of truth in love toward men. What cause could be more important? I have an enevitable fate, a glorious destiny. My condemnation will be my triumph. I regret only having done so little for men."

When she was released three years later she met the Pope of Rome, and he asked her, "How was jail?"

And she replied, "Romantic."

WOW!!!.... just... ugh I WANT IT!!! What must that be like? Being put in prison for three years where you have absolutely nothing to rely on, no TV, no music, no good food, no computer, no car, no house no family or friends. You are ripped from all physical and emotional pleasures and all that is left to look at, to depend on, to feel, and to talk to is God! And you can come out saying that your time in prison was the most romantic time in your life.... I WANT IT!!!!!!! I want that kind of intimacy with my King!.... Ok, I'm done

My response:

Jesus Freak is one of my favorite books. Yes...amazing isnt it? People that look forward to suffering for Christ so that God's glory can be shown. And we can't even commit to showing up to church on Sundays for Him. The Western Church is asleep and needs to wake up...or He will call someone else to do the work we were created to do. We are in essence... standing in the way of our blessings.

In addition:

I am so humbled right now. I kinda came off as cocky and angry (even though I am not...just passionate)because I do believe we are asleep. Otherwise we would be healing people, spreading the Gospel, loving and forgiving. But, clearly we arent and I am sad...because neither am I. I agree with Ricky. I want to be there. Am I willing to do whatever it takes? To say that being tortured or jailed for Christ is romantic? I Read Oswald Chambers yesterday and today and the entries were about Intercession. If we can't start there...we are never going to be "there". I am convictedly preaching to the choir.

To paraphrase a quote I think is by Wesley...I want to set myself on fire so people can watch me burn. There's something about fire. People want to touch it. And when they do...they are ignited too. I wanna burn.

I've been there. So, how do I get it back? I love God with all that I am and I serve Him daily. But, where is my fire.

I wanna burn.