Joseph: God's Other Divine Choice

(Editor's note: this post was originally published Dec. 15, 2010.)

As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of specific people, things, and events that surround God the Savior’s glorious entrance into the world.  The most prominent is usually the manger scene and our focus is placed on Mary, who is certainly a major participant in this divine event.  But what about the man God the Son chose to be His earthly father?

I have always had a curious fascination with Joseph and the role he played.  Much more is written about Mary than her husband and, unfortunately, her status and significance has been un-Biblically elevated by the Catholic Church.  She would be the receptacle through which the Lord would come, but not the deliverer or intercessor, as they would have you think.   The Messiah she would carry and give birth to would die for her sins as well as the sins of others.  

In my mind, the blessing that was poured out upon Mary was no greater than the blessing Joseph received from God.  The Lord entrusted His feeble infancy and fledgling adolescence to the watchful care of this poor carpenter.  And Joseph accepted the responsibility of loving, nurturing, providing for, and protecting Jesus until He physically matured (Matthew 2:13-15).  Until that time would come, it was Joseph’s responsibility to raise up and teach Jesus as his own son, even training Him in his chosen trade of carpentry.

In the beginning verses of Matthew and Luke, Jesus lineage is given.  Because he was writing to the Jews, Matthew traces Jesus' genealogy from Joseph and Mary back to Abraham in order for him to demonstrate His right to the throne. (See Matthew 1:1-17)  Luke, because he was writing to the Gentiles, traced the Lord’s lineage back to Adam, emphasizing Jesus as the Savior of all people.  But what is clear from both genealogies is that Mary and Joseph were equally direct descendants of David, thereby proving and legitimizing Christ’s rightful inheritance. (See Luke 3:23-38 for Mary’s genealogy)  The significance of this is that the Christ must come from David’s seed and is proven in both gospels.  It further demonstrates that, although Jesus was not Joseph’s physical offspring, it established Jesus’ rightful claim to the throne of David as Joseph’s legal heir by adoption.

Joseph’s age is not mentioned, however.  We know Mary’s approximate age to be between 13 and 19 because girls were then considered mature enough to marry at this age due to their child-bearing ability.  Any unmarried woman beyond her teen years was not as desirable,  and she may have been considered an old maid of lesser value, her ability to produce offspring lessened by her age.  Because it was common for an older man to take a young girl as his wife to insure progeny, Joseph could have been middle-aged when they married.  This is not to say that he was, rather to give us a possible explanation for his lifespan as compared to Mary's as recorded in Scripture.

In the Jewish culture, when a man chose a wife, he became “betrothed” to her.  In other words, a promise of marriage was struck and a year-long engagement ensued.  Joseph probably looked with joyful anticipation to the day when his marriage vows would be fulfilled.  But, what must have crossed his mind when Mary, the virgin that had been betrothed to him, came to him and revealed she was pregnant with not just a child from another man, but a child she claimed was from the Holy Spirit?  Surely, Joseph would have thought she was attempting to cover up infidelity by concocting a wild story, or that she was insane.  

As Mary recalled the unbelievable account of the angel Gabriel’s visit to her, proclaiming her as the “favored one” of God (Luke 1:28), Joseph’s discomfort had to have been just as great as Mary’s.  Although she believed Gabriel’s pronouncement, she felt “greatly troubled” over his words (v29), and it probably added to Joseph’s doubt over her mental state.  For Joseph to hear her say that God had chosen her to bear His Son Who “would reign over the house of Jacob forever,” establishing an eternal kingdom of which there would be no end (v33), nothing short of quickly relieving himself of Mary would be prudent.  It would have seemed such an exaggerated tale given the fact that the Jews believed the Messiah would physically reign over Israel, and Joseph's economic status was a poor one.  Wouldn't the long-awaited King be born in less humble circumstances, in spite of what was evident in their holy scriptures?  How could he believe what Mary was telling him?  And to top it off, what would he tell his family, his friends, and worse yet, the synagogue leaders?

The social stigma for Joseph would have been tremendous.  The legal complications of the Law would have been greater still.   Because the term “just man” is used to describe him, Scripture suggests Joseph was a true believer in God and was declared righteous.  He carefully followed the Law and applied it to his own life.  For Mary to be found pregnant before the marriage was legally consummated would have been seen by Joseph and his peers as disgraceful.  Justice would have been demanded by certain pious Jewish leaders and others in his community.  As a Jew and because he knew the child was not his, Joseph had two legal choices in how to deal with Mary’s pregnancy: the remedy of stoning her for adultery (Deut. 22:23-24), or obtaining a legal divorce (Deut. 24:1), which would free him from his obligation of marriage to Mary.

But because Joseph was a “just man”, he was also a merciful one.  As he “considered” the situation he found himself in and his choices (Matt.1:20), there is reason to assume he sought the counsel of the Jewish synagogue leaders.  He could have chosen to settle the matter using the stricter punishment the Law provided.  Instead, Joseph chose to spare Mary from death or further “public disgrace” by divorcing “her quietly” (v19), and to try and pick back up the pieces of his shattered life.

Through all the turmoil Joseph was experiencing, there was one thing left for God to do as He set the stage for His human birth.  In a dream, the Lord assuaged Joseph’s fears, doubts, and certain heartbreak by encouraging him to take Mary as his wife.  God assured Joseph that the things Mary had told him were true.  The Son she bore would be the long-awaited Messiah Who would be sent to “save His people from their sins" (Matt. 1:18-21).  And, as God did with Mary in His declaration to her in Luke 1:31, He also did for Joseph, giving the Child's Name:   Jesus, “the LORD saves”.

Coming back to the manger scene, we find Joseph faithfully by Mary's side.  As Jesus is born into this world, the anxious father gazes down with wonder and awe at the Child.  Perhaps as he listens to the voices of the angels proclaiming the Lord's birth, he recalls the promises God made to him in that dream: promises of a King born to rescue His people; a Savior to sit upon the throne of David.  He thinks about his own lowly existence and is filled with wonder that the promised Messiah lies helpless in his arms.  Joseph accepts the fact that the infant is not from his own loins, but his thoughts are filled with the days and years ahead when he can bounce Him on his knee, and do what all devoted fathers do: teach Him all that he knows.

From this point on, Joseph became God the Son’s adoptive earthly father.

Any mention of Joseph in Scripture ends when Jesus is 12-years old during the Passover Feast that the family participated in at Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-52).  As they were leaving the city, Joseph and Mary discovered Jesus was not with them and frantically began a search for their missing Son.  Finding Him in the temple with the teachers, His parents admonished Him for causing them distress, as any good parent would do for a wayward child.

This account gives us a glimpse into the lack of understanding Mary and Joseph had of just Who their son truly was.  They had been told by Gabriel and God that the son they would raise would be a king. But up to this point, they probably still believed that He would physically reign over Israel in the manner of King David, as did even the teachers Jesus was found with and who were  also waiting for the Messiah.  Many years would go by before the realization of Jesus'  true purpose would come to fruition, and witnessed only by Mary as she watched Him suffer on the cross and rise three days later.  But as any good son would do, Jesus "...went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them…And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Although Scripture tells us little of the man Joseph, if we read between the lines, much can be determined by what little is said.  He was a righteous man of great faith.  His heart was full of compassion and love.  He was unquestionably obedient to the tremendous responsibilities God placed upon him. And he chose public humiliation over disobedience to the Lord.  Although Jesus was God incarnate,  the Creator of all things known and unknown, as with any earthly father-son relationship, Joseph undoubtedly influenced the Son of Man as He matured, teaching Him not only what was necessary to provide for one’s life and maintain a respectable position within the community, but also about virtue and mankind’s responsibility to God through obedience and adherence to the Law and the Jewish rituals.  These were the things any good Jewish father would desire to teach his son, and Joseph would have been that kind of father.

Because so much focus is placed on her, we tend to attribute Christ’s earthly rearing to Mary and her efforts.   It is clear that of His two parents, she alone was with Jesus at the end and there is no mention of Joseph.  But let us not forget that without Joseph, who was also God’s other divine choice to lead His family, the events surrounding the Lord Jesus’ life may have been dramatically different.  God chose him for a reason, and Joseph understood the seriousness of his responsibility and assumed the role perfectly and with great devotion to God.

The account of his life and purpose in Scripture may be short or lacking other noteworthy mention, but Joseph's role in God's divine plan should never be found insignificant.  He faithfully fulfilled God's purpose for placing him on earth.  He was the father to  the young Jesus that God planned and expected him to be.

In a way, I find it sad that there is no mention of Joseph beyond the temple incident.  Even sadder is that there is no mention of his death.  I am sure that somewhere buried among the  Jewish genealogical scrolls is a line or two recording his name.  But, perhaps his seemingly insignificant role needs no further accolades because we know that, through his obedience to God, Joseph fulfilled His purpose by taking Mary as his wife and helping raise and bring the Lord safely to the completion of His purpose for being born - to claim His throne and bring salvation to His earthly parents and to the world.

And for this, Joseph received his crown.



I hope you will take a few moments and listen to the following song that was written to perhaps reflect Joseph's emotions and wonder for the Gift with which God graced the world.

 Merry Christmas, everyone.

What If?

Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”   God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ”

Exodus 3:13-14 

What if...

You hang on doubt and refuse to hear

the still, small voice whispering in your ear;

the gentle call from womb to death

that tells of glory and blissful rest?

Your heart is hard and refuses to budge

when those who know Him tell of His love;

you turn your back with scorn and spite

from those who offer His glorious light?

What if...

You believe those who say it is not so;

there is no God to whom you can go

for relief and rest from toil and strife,

Who offers His peace and eternal life?

You build your life on things and self,

refusing the mighty hand of help'

until that day all men come to,

death stands at your side and summons you?

What if...

At that moment you suddenly see;

the question rises, "Could it be?

Have I been so blind and stubborn of heart

that now from mercy I must part?"

You now know that you were wrong;

all your life you refused the song

that swelled from heaven midst love divine,

that spoke the words, "Come, be Mine"?

And before the God you chose to deny,

you stand before Him, eye-to-eye,

with no one left to defend your cause,

exposed and naked, knowing your loss?

But, what if...

You choose just now, upon this day,

to seek the road and be shown the way

to mercy, forgiveness and boundless grace

that's written upon His beautiful face?

You come and meet the Great I AM

Who waits to take you by the hand

and bring you into His blessed fold

to give to you true life foretold?

And angels sing and saints rejoice,

"All glory is His!" they say with one voice.

"He's brought another who answered His call,

and made our God his all in all!"?

What if?

(© Karen L. Brahs, April 22, 2006) 

Loving Others Into Hell

Quite often, my posts begin with a title before any words are written.  The title is placed in the little box where it belongs, I know the message I want to convey, but the page can remain blank for days, weeks, or even longer while I wait for the words to build in my mind.  This particular post has been graced with a title for over a month, and it's a doozy, don't you think?  I decided it needed an explanation and found myself gravitating to the computer today to fill in that blank page.

But before you get started reading my thoughts, stop for a moment and meditate on those three words.................................................................................................................................................................................................

Are you done?

Let's get started on why I chose such a startling title, and whether or not you are as guilty as I often am by its implication or, perhaps better put, insinuation.

If I had used each word individually, they could be viewed as innocuous, or less harmful.   Or if I had only used the first two words as my title, there would be the appearance of a warm and compassionate post filled with encouragement to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt 22:38-40).   But by adding the last two words, the title then becomes a little more threatening to our sensibilities.  It implies a negative connotation, creating an undertone of suspicion that the writer of this blog may be going just a little too far with what some perceive as finger-pointing, or today's popular usage of the accusation, "being judgmental."  However, what is possibly not being considered by the "judge not" crowd is that I am not only pointing the finger at some, but also right back at myself.

Are you confused?  If so, let me explain.

Each and every Christian has unsaved friends and family members.   If we were true to ourselves, we would even acknowledge that as we walk through a crowd of strangers, our eyes are incapable of landing on someone who isn't in need of hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  As I sit here writing this post, there are two men, one I've known for over 30 years, who are working on a foundation for a new addition to our house.  I'm as positive as we can be that neither are saved.  Their words and actions (their talk and walk) give enough evidence to assert that claim.  But what I am not positive about is if they have ever heard about their desperate need for salvation.

With that question bouncing around in my head, the burden then becomes mine.  Why should it be my burden?

God may have placed them before me for a reason, other than a new utility room.

Although I don't know the young man that is with my old friend, I can honestly say that I love them both.  Not in the physical or emotional sense that the world would understand.  Rather, I love them for what they lack.  I love them for what they sorely need.  I am given a glimpse with my eyes into their lives, I am able to hear with my ears their sins, and know that unless I or someone else speaks up and tells them about God's law and the death it can bring and why man has fallen from grace and how he can be restored to life and tell them of the One who secured that for us, they will leave this world without hope and suffer eternal punishment in Hell.

But fear prevents me because I don't want to offend, to anger, to be rejected, to be scoffed at, to become that "religious nut," or to possibly lose a long-time friendship, or fail to establish a new one.  And when it comes to our unsaved family members who exhibit all of the above, there is even less willingness to speak up for Jesus, because to be alienated from them is the worst possible scenario in this life.  We don't want to upset the apple cart of family continuity.  We say we love them too much to break the family apart, or to be avoided at family gatherings.  But do we truly love them enough?   Do we love them so much that we would be willing to sacrifice good relationships with them by boldly giving the prescription they desperately need and that would cure them of the soul destroying disease of depravity and eternal death?

Sadly, the answer with most of us is usually "No."  We would rather that someone else step up and do for us what we ourselves should have done.

In other words, by our failure to obey the LORD Jesus' command to go out and make disciples of men (Matt 28:18-20), we are loving our friends and family straight into Hell.

By now, I'm sure you've caught on to the subject matter.

The greatest love we can demonstrate is to give the Gospel to everyone, regardless of their relationship to us, or the situation we find ourselves in with them.  To remain silent is a gross exhibition of hatred in its worst form.   When it comes to family and friends we say we love and would do anything for, it could safely be said that the love we have for them is shallow and without substance.  We love their sense of humor.  We love being with them.  We love their little quirks.  And we love that they also love us.

But that's not enough.

There are four types of "love" in the Greek language which are used throughout Scripture:

1. "Storge," a term rarely used in ancient text, denotes affection mainly between family members.
2. "Philia" or "phileo" is used to demonstrate loyalty to friends, family, and community and must include virtue, equality, and familiarity.
3. "Eros" is physical, passionate love that compels one to sensual desire and longing.  It's the type of love described as "love at first sight;" romantic, pure emotion without the balance of logic.  Although the word is usually used in the context of sexual desire, it isn't necessarily always attributed to it, but is also used as a deeper form of the "philia" type of love between friends, or an appreciation of the beauty within another person.
4. "Agape" means love in a spiritual sense, or unconditional love.  It is selfless, expecting nothing in return.  It is a deep and abiding love that expresses God's unconditional love for His wayward children.  The apostle, Paul, wrote of this type of love in 1Corinthians 13:1-13.

Taking these words and definitions into context, in what should be our witness for Christ, most Christians never succeed in getting past the first two Greek words when it comes to the type of love we demonstrate.  We have deep affection for our family and friends.  We are loyal to them and consider them to be equal with us, but that's as far as our professed love goes.  We all too often overlook their sinfulness and depravity.  We roll our eyes, maybe uttering a prayer for their repentance and redemption.  We neglect their absolute need of Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation, and fail them - and Him - time and time again, until it's too late and their destination after they die is fixed for all eternity.

We just don't want the reaction we think we're going to receive.

When I consider my failings and my utter unwillingness to give the Gospel of Jesus Christ to certain family and friends, I understand just how superficial and limited my love is for them.  Honesty with myself compels me to admit it borders on hatred.  Hatred not for their physical presence in the here and now, but for their soul that will continue to live on after their body is mere dust.  We should love as Jesus loved, not the way we think is appropriate and acceptable.  In light of the glaring fact that life on this earth and our relationships with others is fleeting, our primary focus should be on the next life and what those can expect who do not yet know, and are known by, Jesus Christ.

Instead of loving others into Hell through our complacency, unwillingness, or fear of reprisal, we should strive for the same love Jesus Christ demonstrated by faithfully telling them the truth.  And just as equally important, Christians should never think that any specific moment is inappropriate, especially during gatherings of frivolity and gaity, or a few moments together over coffee.  Seconds are ticking by, and the clock that measures the length of a person's life on this earth cannot be paused or stopped.

Three times, Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him.  Three times, Peter responded with a "yes."  But the third time, Peter understood the depth of Christ's question and it grieved him (John 21:15-17).   I am often reminded that my love for Jesus Christ is just as shallow and limited as the love I have for my family and friends.  I shouldn't be able to find the bottom but, ashamedly, I do, just as Peter realized his own lack.  I, too, should be willing to go out and "feed" Jesus' sheep each and every time the opportunity is presented, even if it means Jesus telling me what He told Peter: "Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”  (John 21:18)

If anything would compel someone to keep silent about the way to salvation, Jesus telling Peter how he would die should have done so.  But Peter understood the vital necessity of the message he would carry and faithfully delivered it.

Peter loved others as Christ loved.  Never faltering.  Never wavering.  Never watering down the Gospel.  And in all circumstances and all situations, Peter never feared rejection or persecution when he gave it.

Thus the meaning for the title of this post.

It took a while to reveal my thoughts and the conviction that I fail my Savior far too often, including the courage to confess it.  Although I am ashamed to admit it, my failures are ever before me.   But I'm thankful Jesus has revealed one more of my endless flaws that needs gentle correction.  Sanctification is a long process, and I am thankful He is patient with me.

If we truly love Jesus as we should, instead of loving others into Hell through our silence, we will love them with the same "agape" He has for us.  Knowing that, with each breath, our unsaved friends and family members are approaching eternity and a fixed location, we must be driven to set aside any discomfort we may have while in their presence and love them into Heaven by giving them the greatest gift a man can receive, regardless of the situation or timing.

So, here I am, pointing the proverbial finger at you and praying for your conviction, as well.  It sure gave me pause, and I hope it does you.

There's a world of sinners waiting for someone to speak up without fear.  Some you know.  Some you won't know until God places them in front of you.  Some will reject it in various ways.  Some will embrace it with joy.  And we should always remember it's not us that does the heart work.  It's the Holy Spirit.  We're just the instrument by which the Good News is given.

As I told my late father once, when he was attempting to give the Gospel to his sisters who were lost in false beliefs, and who cruelly refused to believe what he brought them, "It's not you they were rejecting, but the Holy Spirit Who sent you.  You did what the LORD asked, and that's all that was required of you."

So, go out and boldly proclaim Jesus Christ to your friends and loved ones so that they may also know and live in the glorious presence of God with you for all eternity.

The Name Most Hated Above All Names

In the wake of all the recent violence in Egypt, have you considered that there are things we are NOT being told?  Or if we are being told what's really going on, it has been minimized and ignored, and another reason tops the headlines?

All too often, we are spoon fed the political aspects of these kinds of events by both our government and our mainstream media, instead of being fully informed of all that's actually occurring.  It doesn't take a political science major or a Middle East expert to know that what we receive in the way of explanations has been cleverly written by our own leaders to not only keep us content that our government has a close eye on the problem and a genuine understanding of and concern for the implications, but also to keep us complacent and apathetic and more politically correct about Muslims and the religion they practice.  

That became obvious when the Egyptian people flooded Tahrir Square last year and we were inundated with talking heads on the news, giving their "expert" opinions and celebrating how wonderful it was that the people were rising up for democracy.   The stark images of millions rising to denounce their government were astounding. 

However, within one short year and the arrival of the latest uprising, new talking points were quickly written and dispersed to those talking heads, and "Plan B" was put into place because that short-lived, so-called "freedom" rally failed in a big way.  If it weren't for the internet and instantaneous news and images, we would remain in the dark about most subjects.  The "experts" also probably figured that they wouldn't appear so foolish, and more important, ignorant of the reality of the situation by revising their positions.

When it came to the players in what it appeared to be a game of politics, they were most ignorant over the Muslim Brotherhood.

The fact of the entire matter is that the Muslim Brotherhood, which portrayed itself as Egypt's salvation and was covertly placed into power following the removal of Egypt's former President Hosni Mubarak, is one of many  fanatical Islamist factions bent upon destruction and domination of the world.  Their history and belief system was foolishly glossed over and blatantly ignored, with some even going so far to say that the Muslim Brotherhood has a true desire for "civil democracy" and has done much good for the nation of Egypt.  Any trouble that came out of their organization was blamed on a small portion of members within their ranks.  Their official English website paints a rosy picture of peaceful protests, tolerance and altruism, a desire for democracy, and their membership as the victims and martyrs.  But if you have your eyes and ears open, and look objectively at that organization and its presence in the Middle East, including what Islam represents and their affiliation with other terror groups, like Al Qaeda, and their collusion with Hamas during the 2011 revolution, they are unable to pull the wool over your eyes.

What these "experts" are failing to mention is that the goal of the Muslim Brotherhood isn't focused only on Egypt, but the entire Middle East and points beyond and recently, our government, much to their chagrin - and, I might add, shame - actually supported their rise to power.  Oh, the Democrats and the Obama administration, and even conservative politicians we thought had more sense, tried to make us believe that they were unbiased regarding the revolt, but failed to convince some of us.   It would be a hard task to get them to admit that now, however.  Politicians and news pundits have very short memories, especially if they're caught in contradictions and errors.  And our President is now back-pedaling and denying he had anything to do with supporting their insurrection, while still attempting to convince Congress to "give them another chance."

In spite of the collateral damage in Egypt - i.e., 51 innocent children being killed in the initial military crackdown, and whose parents are the truly guilty ones for placing their children in the line of danger, a common practice among Islamists and Muslim terrorists -  it's my contention that the Egyptian Army may have a legitimate reason for what they are doing.  Although our President, for political and military strategic reasons, refuses to call the latest skirmish a "military coup," it just may not be one.  When a nation of people is so clearly divided and takes to the streets with weapons and is bent on killing and destruction, even placing their children on the front line, what other option is left but to send in the military to quell the violence?

It becomes a matter of the strongest over the weakest, and what if the strongest are those who would do the most damage if allowed to take over the government?  If, God forbid, Americans finally reached the point of revolt over what they see happening in the United States that is clearly threatening their freedoms and their nation's sovereignty, and rose up in massive numbers to storm Washington D.C., the front lawn of the White House would become a battlefield with our military and police forces shooting back at citizens, including the children who are present, in an attempt to restore peace.  Can anyone deny that?

From a secular standpoint, answers are clearly needed for why men behave the way they do.  But, sadly, the wrong answers are being given, and what's going on with the Egyptian people is a good example.

When things like this occur in other parts of the world, specifically in the Middle East, our first thought is that it's all politically based.  A despot has been in power for decades and ruled with an iron, and often cruel, fist, until a generation of people rise up and drag him from his throne, usually leaving a wake of death and destruction in their path.  Celebrating their new-found illusion of freedom, they rush into placing another leader into power who has wooed them with fine-sounding promises of democracy, free elections, equality and economic and religious freedom and prosperity, foolishly thinking that, at last, they will have the government they desire.  Far too many struggling nations have fallen into that trap, and Egypt is only the latest.

However, the problem lies in the fact that the people in the Middle East have no real understanding of the concept of democracy, nor will they ever understand it.  They see it being practiced in western nations yet, because of their Islamic religion, which constitutes and demands a mixture of religion with politics and outright hatred for capitalism and religious freedom, are unable to correctly and effectively implement it.  Factor in that they can't have their democracy cake and eat it with Sharia Law as a side dish.  The two are as opposed to each other as the east is from the west or, as in this case, Islam from Christianity.  (As is obvious in most nations they have immigrated to, they quickly demand that side dish, and it usually involves more violence until they get what they want.)  It's not long before those who celebrated the overthrow of a oppressive government with jubilation in the city square find themselves regretting being so quick to replace it.

The Muslim Brotherhood led a successful campaign in making it appear that they were a peaceful and equitable arm of Islam.  At least, they were able to convince the secular portion of the world who are ignorant regarding the truth behind this religion and what their real agenda is, including our own President Barrack Hussein Obama.  That is, if he truly is that ignorant.  But not so much with those of us who have discernment and an understanding of the role that the sons of Ishmael (Gen 17:18-21; Gen 21:8-21; Psalm 83) and Esau (Gen 25:21-34; Gen 27; Mal 1:2-5; Heb 12:1-17) will play in the end of times scenario.  Following the ouster of Mubarak and the successful placement of the Muslim Brotherhood into the Egyptian government, it took a while for their true character to rear its ugly face.  Within just a few months, Egypt's newly elected President, Mohamed Morsi, began revealing his intentions and implementing his previous unspoken commitment to the Muslim Brotherhood and its agenda.

Let's get to the meat and potatoes of what I view to be the cause of this mess, shall we?

Take a moment and consider the escalation of persecution against the Egyptian Coptic Church as one possible reason for the Egyptian army's intervention.

The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, which was established 2,000 years ago and believes the "Patriarchate of Alexandria" was founded by Mark the Evangelist around 33 A.D., is modeled after the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), even venerating a Pope of their own.  Like the RCC, it is in error over many doctrinal issues.  In short, they believe in seven sacraments: baptism, including baptism of babies, confirmation, confession (penance), Eucharist (communion), matrimony, ordination, unction of the sick, and teaches salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Copts practice fasting, in which 210 days of the year are considered fast days.  Like the RCC, they rely heavily on tradition, celebrate mass, and teach that works earn merit.  Although worship of saints is forbidden, they do teach that dead saints intervene for the faithful, and they also venerate icons (Gen 20:1-4).

It's not that the Coptic Church is necessarily a true Christ- and Gospel-centered church that drives the Muslim Brotherhood to expel them from Egypt with whatever method is necessary, even through extreme persecution.  It's the fact that the name of Jesus Christ is associated with the church.  That's what compels them to hatred and violence.  Their motivation to kill is urged on by their utter hatred and lack of understanding true Christianity and the One True God Jesus Christ who is sovereign and hates the worship of false gods like Allah, the god of Islam.  They see and hear the Name that is above all names being proclaimed - that Jesus alone is worthy to be worshiped, and that He is the only way to true salvation - and that fuels their vehement and complete prejudiced hostility for Him that spills out upon any one church or group that elevates Jesus Christ above all other false religions, including their own, Islam, which is the predominate religion causing all the trouble in the current state of world affairs. 

This linked article, depicting a Christian orphanage that was recently burned by Morsi supporters, is only the latest in a stream of violence that has been perpetuated against Coptic Christians in Egypt.

In a National Review Online article dated August 14th, reporter, Raymond Ibrahim, reports that the level of violence against Egyptian Christians "has reached unprecedented levels in the modern era."  However, regarding the Egyptian army's perceived violations, he writes:

While Western media, following the lead of pro-Brotherhood Al Jazeera, continue demonizing the Egyptian military’s attempts to neutralize the Muslim Brotherhood terror bases – where people have been tortured, raped, and killed, all according to Islamist fatwas (yes, including the rape, more on this later) the media portray them as “sit ins” where Islamists are “holding vigil” only to be slaughtered by the military – the Western media has been incredibly silent about the terrors being visited on Egypt’s Coptic Christians, the nation’s original inhabitants, by the very same people in the “sit ins.”

For starters, and as CBN’s Gary Lane just put it, “What do Muslim Brotherhood members do when Egyptian Security Forces launch a forewarned operation to clear them from Cairo tent cities? Attack Christians. That’s right. Morsi supporters responded with a monumental attack — unprecedented in modern times — on churches throughout Egypt. The torching and destruction of churches occurred within six hours of the start of the military crackdown.”

Mr. Ibrahim continues to verify that the persecution of Coptic Christians didn't begin with this latest military crackdown.  He cites numerous examples of arrests and sentences being handed out against them by Morsi's government, verifying that the Muslim Brotherhood's long arm of Islamic justice against those who would dare to blaspheme their "prophet" and their religion played a very important role in the first year of this newly elected government.

As Mr. Ibrahim concludes, he could fill pages of his article (as well as myself on this blog) with examples of severe persecution that has been perpetrated by the Muslim Brotherhood, its spread across all of Egypt, and the world turning a blind eye to the slaughter occurring there.  He calls for "the full, ugly truth about Muslim persecution of Christians [to be made] known – and acted upon."  I join him in this cry out to the world.  And I do so with a better understanding of who the enemy actually is that is perpetuating the violence and brutality.   But with the unwillingness of the secular media to report the truth, and the world's populace cowering in fear of this vile and disgusting "religion" and what they are capable of doling out if they offend them, it will only get worse.

The violence we're seeing against Christians in Egypt didn't begin after Morsi's ouster.  As another article from the Christian Science Monitor describes, Christians were marked for persecution long before this latest uprising began.  It states, "Christian homes and shops [were marked] with red graffiti, vowing to protect Morsi's electoral legitimacy with 'blood.' ”

 It is also common knowledge (or should be) that Egypt hasn't been particularly fond of the protestant and evangelical Christian faith.   In 1980, Islam was established as the state religion and Sharia Law was instituted as their primary source of legislation, prohibiting any religious practices that conflicted with Sharia.  However, in the past, the Egyptian government didn't see a conflict with Judeo/Christian practices and those of Islam, and the non-Muslim minority were free to worship without legal constraints.  I am confident that if the Muslim Brotherhood had been successful in pushing forward their agenda, it would have become a conflict and their laws would have changed to strictly forbid the practice of any form of Christianity.

It hasn't been as easy as it sounds for Egyptian Christians.  The current Egyptian government strictly requires building permits for constructing church buildings, but the process is still subject to security authorities and the approval process has been found to be so lengthy and insufficiently responsive that most protestant Christians use private buildings and homes for their religious services.  I have also heard that open evangelism is viewed as an insult to Islam and strongly discouraged.

With a population of nearly 83 million people, 80 million Egyptians are considered to be Muslim, which comprises almost 95% of the citizenry.  Approximately 7.2 million people, or 95% of the Christian population, are Coptic Christians.  The remaining 27,000 Christians are a mixture of 19 other varying denominations of Christianity, which range from Greek Orthodox to pentecostal, but with no recognizable mainstream western churches in the mix.   However there are western evangelical missionaries established in the nation.  It has also been noticed that the persecution against the Coptic church is due to an increase in it returning to its missionary roots, not only in Egypt, but in all parts of the Middle East and northern Africa where their presence is known.

It is apparent that there is much of God's work to be done and that the harvest field in Egypt is ripe for the picking.  But only if the violence that's escalating and spilling over throughout the entire Middle East doesn't close off that region forever from hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We need to be in constant prayer that those whom God has chosen for His Son are quickly drawn and receive salvation.

It has been reported by many, who closely follow the progress of spreading the Gospel in the Middle East, that multitudes are coming to Christ.  Forsaking their prior beliefs, their families, their jobs, and even their safety, Muslims are hearing the Name they once hated and being given a new life and new hope, then taking that Name out to their own villages, towns, and cities so that others may know Him.  We have seen the results of their courage and boldness.  What they can expect to experience in the way of persecution is far greater than anything we in the United States can even begin to imagine.  Our witness can be met with debate, maybe harsh profanity, or a complete lack of interest and rejection.  But theirs is often met with ostracism, isolation, utter hatred, and violence.

Jesus Christ: the Name most hated above all names.  He warned His disciples that this hatred for everyone who put their trust in Him would continue to the end of time as we know it.  "If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."  (John 15:18-19)  We are seeing played out on the world's stage a continuance of that hatred in the form of Islam and what it represents.

The explanation Jesus gave for the persecution that would come following His departure and until His second coming should be understood and embraced by all Christians.  More important, it should be applied as the only reason when we see hatred and violence spilling out on all parts of the world, including our own.  The ignorance of not knowing the One True God, and the total depravity of man and his willingness to subvert, subject, and enforce a false and destructive world view upon others through persecution, can only be explained as utter and complete hatred for our God and Savior Jesus Christ. 

"But all these things they will do to you on account of My name, because they do not know Him who sent Me.  If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.  Whoever hates Me hates my Father also.  If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both Me and my Father.  But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: 'They hated Me without a cause.’ "  (John 15:21-25; Psalm 35:19; 69:4)

The violence we are now seeing is only the beginning of greater persecution to come.   As the end draws nearer, the hatred for Jesus Christ will grow beyond anything the world has yet seen.  While preaching to His disciples, they "...came to Him privately, saying, 'Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?'  And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.   For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.  And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.   All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

 

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.   And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.   And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.   And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.   But the one who endures to the end will be saved.   And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.' "

Jesus was preparing His disciples for the hatred that would eventually break out against everyone who believed in His Name and the Gospel He brought them, and that, to this day, continues to be broadcast across the world through His faithful servants.  And we should also be prepared for it.  Satan knows his time is short and will use any means he has available to him to destroy as many souls as he can.  It has already grown obvious that, as our nation draws further from God, extreme persecution is on the very near horizon.

While we wait for the glorious return of our long anticipated King, we must always keep in mind the things we witness are a culmination of hatred for Jesus that has propelled the secular and unbelieving world into wars and death throughout the world's brief history.  And throughout this tumultuous history, many have succumbed to Satan's wiles and have falsely used the Name of Jesus Christ to deceive the masses and subject them to their cruelty.  Even in this present day we often hear politicians and world leaders invoke the Name of Jesus in order to convince Christians they are righteous men and gain what their wicked hearts desire.  Man may be the recipient of the evil that permeates every society, but the Name above all names, Jesus Christ, is the cause (1Peter 2:7-8).  For genuine Christians, to proclaim His Name, to worship His Name, to know that His Name is written upon the hearts of every true believer, and to offer His Name to the lost will bring more terror, more destruction, and more death as the history of this world draws to a close.

Recently, Pastor John MacArthur stated in a free CD set he offered to his subscribers, "How To Think and Act In Evil Days," (I was unable to find a link to this sermon) that the increase of persecution will reveal those who truly belong to Jesus Christ.  When persecution like those in Egypt and other parts of the world are experiencing comes to America, the truth will be revealed as many who have professed Him abandon and deny Him, as most did while He walked this earth (John 6:66-69).

When it reaches the point described in Scripture where untold persecution is inflicted upon those who proclaim the Name most hated above all names, the depth of love we hold in our hearts for Jesus Christ and His Gospel will determine whether or not we are true believers.

We must stand firmly upon the foundation that has been set before us (1Cor 10:12; 16:13-14; Gal 5:1; Eph 6:10-13;  never wavering, never faltering, always faithful to the One who secured our salvation, and proclaiming as we go forward, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt 10:7)

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.  But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene ^... But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.' " (2Tim 2:14, 15, 19)

Repent, seek forgiveness, and believe in the Name of our LORD Jesus Christ and what He has done for you, trusting Him in all things.  For His glory and honor.  Amen