Finding joy in the wrong trials: The Apostle James writes that Christians ought to consider it all joy when they encounter various trials (James 1:2). But, what if they’re the wrong trials?
Stephen Sizer’s trial
Former Anglican Vicar Stephen Sizer was recently found guilty of “conduct unbecoming and anti-Semitic activity.” You can search our Zeteo website for an idea of his history. See also Steve Rabey’s article HERE. Note that I have certain issues with Julie Roys’ blog site.
Sizer is an ant-Zionist who goes to great lengths to oppose and one-sidedly demonize modern Israel, while regarding himself as a “Peacemaker.” In his book, Christian Zionism – Road-map to Armageddon, he has a Footnote (170) pointing to allegations of Israeli complicity in the 9/11 tragedy (page 251).
After the tribunal, Sizer was quoted as saying,
“I accept those conclusions and the criticisms of my conduct, and apologise unreservedly for the hurt and offence caused. As I said at the time, I am particularly sorry that I posted a link on Facebook in January 2015 to an article blaming Israel for 9/11, and repeat my apology for the deep hurt that my conduct caused. I do not propose to say any more at this juncture as I pray and reflect further.”
I will bless those who bless you, I will curse those who treat you with contempt, and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you. Gen 12:3
Finding joy in the wrong trials
Despite his apparent remorse and apology, I had my misgivings (cynic that I am). A quick visit to his blog found a new article titled “Pure Joy in Trials of Many Kinds”—you can Google it. Far from repenting, he dug his toes in. Moreover, he provides a list of like-minded witness-cohorts as a character defense: people like Colin Chapman, Gary Burge and Robert Cohen of Sabeel.
In the book, “High King of Heaven,” Paul Washer warns about the right and wrong reasons for persecution (Counted Worthy). He writes that the apostles were not persecuted for deviant behavior. They weren’t persecuted for conjuring absurd ideas, or religious fanaticism. Nor were they persecuted for their political stance. According to Washer,
Scripture says you are the salt of the earth, and that if the salt has lost its saltiness, then it is thrown out…What are the characteristics of a disciple? The Beatitudes tells us: poor in spirit, merciful, broken, righteous, and so on. Pray and preach the gospel. That’s what we are called to do.
Maranatha!
Further reading
What does it mean to count it all joy (James 1:2)?
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