Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Hebrews 11: 36, “,… and even chains and imprisonment.”

Sometimes when accusations are displayed in public, onlookers cannot easily determine who may be telling the truth. A shadow of doubt may linger. But what about when a person has kept the faith and held to moral values, and spoken only truth, but is still condemned.

“And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined; he remained in prison.” Genesis 39: 20.

Some commentators have thought it likely that Joseph’s master knew he was indeed innocent and that is why he was imprisoned rather than immediately killed, which was the normal penalty for the accusations against him. He had overcome the betrayal of his own brothers and now once again received an unjust punishment.

Again and again, Joseph experienced personal betrayal, but he did not resort to self-preservations tactics or stop being faithful to God. Instead he trusted God in each circumstance. To his brothers he said, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Genesis 50: 19-20

Lord, please give us courage and integrity to walk in truth even if no one listens.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 15:1-2

“O Lord, who may abide in Thy tent?

Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?

He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness,

And speaks truth in his heart.”

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Guilt

Failure to rely on God

burrows into soul

regrets fester,

rise to volcanic surge

with public knowledge.

Unleash blame outward

angry whippings

innocent suffer

their visible scars a

continued witness to guilt,

shame-dug grooves.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     What is your immediate reaction to accusation?

2.     If there is truth to it do you immediately go to God in prayer, or try to explain it away to yourself?

3.     How do you speak truth in love within your family or workplace to keep relationships open and honest?

Share: Have you had to take a public stand to expose a lie? What was the result?

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Hebrews 11: 36, “Others suffered mocking and flogging and even chains and imprisonment.”

Often in the Old Testament when prophets and seers spoke God’s truth, they received anger, retaliation, and punishment as a response. Ahab threw Micaiah into prison because of his prophecy. King Asa threw Hanani into prison “for delivering an unfavorable word from the Lord.” Jeremiah was placed in prison and into a miry pit for speaking God’s truth. King Herod into the New Testament had John beheaded and Peter arrested with the intent of a death sentence.

Even today when truth is spoken in public in opposition to leaders in any forum, the retaliation often comes as legal defamation of character or accusations of slander. Real facts get buried under mud-slinging and false witness.

And personally when a truth is spoken personally that we don’t want to hear we almost immediately come up with excuses, blame others, blame circumstances—anything so as not to take responsibility.

Yet God continues to speak truth into our world and into our lives to bring us light and hope and restoration. His love confronts the lies we sometimes don’t even recognize we have absorbed, and removes the poison before it takes hold—if we are willing to listen.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 23:3

“He restores my soul;

He guides me in the path of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Refuse

Despite continued failure

to hide deeds in darkness,

ignorance, to contain perhaps

a season under lies, only

to explore in light of day

exposed motive, deceit,

distorted vision; attempt

continues—fractured by

uncooperative victims

demanding a public witness.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Jesus Himself chose silence a few times when faced with bullying. How can we know when it is right to be still or necessary to speak out?

2.     What criteria should be used in either private or public occurrences? Or is there a difference?

3.     Which is most difficult for you to deal with personally—veiled threats or outright confrontation? Why?

4.     Are you willing to defend others but not yourself if necessary?

Share: Under what circumstances have you overcome your own fears or anxiety to make sure others heard words of truth?

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Hebrews 11:35, “….refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection.”

Many churchgoers have heard the story of Paul and Silas, arrested—beaten—chained—saved the jailor from suicide. Their faith and witness brought resurrection truth to his whole household. But there is even more to the story.

After the jailor cleaned their wounds and received baptism, Paul and Silas returned to their cells. When the word came down to release them the jailor rushed to give them the good news. Imagine his astonishment when Paul refused.

“..Paul replied, ‘They have beaten us in public, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they going to discharge us in secret? Certainly not! Let them come and take us out themselves.’” 

Paul and Silas knew full well that even greater penalties could be ahead of them, but they would not accept back alley bullying to go unnoticed, or hide in the dark. Paul put aside personal fear and pain to make clear his belief and trust in Messiah. He demanded to be heard so that the truth be spoken out loud. Shown visibly in action.

So many years have past but world history continues the use of fear, anxiety, meritocracy and intimidation to rule and silence honest conviction whenever possible.

Lord, give us courage to be silent when we need to be, and to be publically vocal when You so direct. Help us to be faithful witnesses of Your truth—Your words in all circumstances.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 51: 12-13

“Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, And sustain me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways, And sinners will be converted to Thee.”