LOST DOG: Male hound. Three legs. Blind in one eye. Left ear partially chewed-off. No tail. Parts of coat missing. Answers to the name ‘Lucky’!
Years ago I read about a real-life ‘Lucky’ up in Clearlake. Fox News reported about an 8-month-old puppy who miraculously recovered after being hit by a car, shot by a police officer and stuck in a freezer for two hours!
Dosha, a carmel-colored pup, apparently was struck by a vehicle after escaping from her owner. Soon afterward, humane officer Bob MacDonald came upon the scene and attempted to end the canine’s suffering by using his revolver. She was then placed in an Animal Control freezer for two hours before someone discovered she was still alive!
Veterinarians treated the pooch who made a full recovery. Talk about a ‘dog day’!
The Apostle Paul was well-acquainted with dog days of his own. We wrote the Christians worshiping in ancient Corinth: “I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:23b-28).
It never ceases to amaze me when Christian whine about being slightly inconvenienced, or scream in disillusionment when just a hint of personal persecution comes their way. Jesus Himself told us that if we truly represent Him in this life, we would receive scorn and rejection, just like He did. He told us that, “In this life you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He elaborated, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (Matthew 5:10-11).
Now wait a minute! Trouble? Persecution? Insults? Lies? Surely that kind of negativity shouldn’t accompany a Christian’s life. We are called to peacefulness and contentment, right? Doesn’t the popular gospel of our day promise abundance, popularity, acceptance and trouble-free living? In other words, can’t we all just get along?!
The truth is, light is an affront to darkness. Truth is an enemy of deception. Salt is antagonistic to blandness. Life is an opponent of death. Therefore, if we are authentic modern-day advocates of light, truth, saltiness and life, we will make our share of enemies this side of Heaven.
Jesus Himself said, “I came not to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). His life and message were confrontational in a morally bankrupt society. As I share with my Suisun City congregation, “We will not mark-down the gospel in order to sell it!” The timeless Word of God and the people who live by it were never called to be socially pliable for the sake of just getting along. Like Jesus, we are called to truth and grace.
So the zillion dollar question du jour is – How well are you fitting in? In other words, are you receiving your fair share of rejection and scorn? Are you characterized where you live, work and play as an uncompromising and unashamed follower of Christ? For such individuals, ‘dog days’ are foretold and yes, guaranteed. But, Jesus reminds the faithfully consistent: “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:12). In other words, it’s not about here – it’s about there! It’s not about you – it’s about Me! It’ll all be worth it!
So fellow Christian, when you face opposition, stop your whining. Remember, Jesus can turn water into wine, but He can’t turn your whining into anything! None of us have come even close to the rejection He personally experienced for our redemption. So here’s my brotherly advice. The next time you’ve been run over, shot and shoved away for your faith, remember: You’re not ‘Lucky’ – according to Jesus you’re ‘Blessed’!
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