August 8, 2023
Tuesday
No Grudges
Psalm 143
10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.”
A few years ago, a Baptist pastor in Hong Kong, Chu Yiu-ming, 75, was convicted for his preaching and advocacy of democracy. He turned the courtroom into a pulpit, and the Hong Kong Free Press printed his sermon. Pastor Chu preached Christ, spoke for freedom and liberty, and ended his remarks saying, “We have no regrets, we hold no grudges, no anger, no grievances. We do not give up. In the words of Jesus, ‘Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!’ (Matthew 5:10) Oh Lord, who is merciful and just—to you I entrust my life, may your will be done!”[1]
We never know when life will deal us a bitter blow, but we have examples of thousands of believers—like Joseph and Chu Yiu-ming—who have been abused, yet show us how to overcome life’s detours by trusting in God’s providence and promises.
That’s why we don’t give up, but instead we say, “Lord, Your will be done” (Matthew 6:10.)
A point to ponder…
At this very moment, my heart tells me that with this defendant’s dock, I have found the most honourable pulpit of my ministerial career. The valley of the shadow of death leads to spiritual heights.
Chu Yiu-ming
Read the Bible through in a year
I love you!!!
[1] Kate Shellnutt, “Hong Kong Pastor Facing Prison Preaches the Sermon of His Life,” Christianity Today, April 10, 2019, https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2019/april/hong-kong-pastor-occupy-umbrella-movement-chu-yiu-ming.html.
© 2000-2023 B. Michael Goerlich