A terror attack against free speech rocked France as 2015 stumbles to a violent start.
The staff of a small magazine dedicated to satire and stinging social commentary was killed in a burst of gunfire. France’s passion for free speech came under attack.
Almost immediately the French people took to the streets declaring “I am Charlie”.
They painted a bullseye on themselves and said we now are the ones you killed. Come for us!
Everyone holding a “I am Charlie” sign knows that they are not the ones who died. Everyone knows, however, that for those who died to live on thousands upon thousands will need to live on as lives of free speech just like the lives that were so violently taken.
This explosive social reaction signals a change in the landscape of Europe and perhaps the world. From the death of freedom of expression in some comes life of expression in others. Only time will tell if the fervor of the moment will last and reverse terrorism’s advance across the world.
As I watched these incredible moments unfold in Paris, I found myself thinking of Jesus’ crucifixion at the hands of sinful men 2000 years ago. He was brutally killed in an awful public display of hate for God’s presence and love. His only “crime” was love.
There was no immediate street demonstration for Jesus on the day of His death. It took well over a month before His small group of followers would stand openly in Jerusalem and say “We are Jesus!”.
All who stood for Jesus in Jerusalem painted a cross on themselves and said “Come for us!” They knew they were not really Jesus but they knew He was living in them and wanted to express Himself through them.
Nearly 2000 years later as disciples of Jesus we are still here publicly saying to the world that Jesus’ death was not an end but a beginning. Every disciple is a manifestation of His life .
“Le Suis Jesus!” “I am Jesus!"
Lift up your cross publicly and say “Come for me!"
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Gal. 2:20
“For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:20
Bud McCord
Abide International
No comments:
Post a Comment