Gene Edwards’ books have been very helpful to me in my 42 years as a Christian, usually during the hard times. “A Tale of Three Kings” was read multiple times over the years of being mistreated by unrighteous leaders in the church. “Exquisite Agony” (Crucified by Christians) also gave me courage in 2003 when we faced a lot of criticism. Granted, a lot of that was justified, but there was also a lot of terrible stuff that went on on the side during that time.
I have just read “The Prisoner in the Third Cell”. The book is short, as is often the case with Gene Edwards’ books, and I would encourage you to read it, especially if you are going through a hard time. It is centered on John the Baptist. A couple of takeaways:
John was obviously a non-conformist. He lived a simple and frugal life. He was fully engaged in ministry at the grassroots level, and he was not afraid to call out the hypocrites. Of course, they judged him, criticized him, and eventually killed him.
Takeaway: It is oh so easy to criticize and judge, especially those in the trenches. Often, criticism of people who work on the ground comes from those who sit in their plush and comfortable homes in the rich Western world. They have lost touch with the grassroots ministry, the simple life Jesus extolled, and they may have also lost their souls to materialism. I have seen it again and again. John the Baptist was the real deal (p.24).
John died without experiencing the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, yet that did not weaken his faith. Basically, his life was pretty much all hard work and bad news, yet he remained steadfast till the end (p.71).
Takeaway: even if one’s life is full of bad news, that does not make Jesus any less. One’s faith is not based on good news or positive results. It is because Jesus is. In the good times, as well as the bad times, Jesus is still there. He does not change.
I am personally very inspired by the people of Nepal and the surrounding countries, where I have spent most of my adult life. Their resilience is exemplary. Christians in Nepal do not waste time on fruitless doctrinal debates. They hang on to their faith, they care for one another, and they manage to smile through it all.
P.78: The question is this, “Will you follow a God you do not understand? Will you follow a God who does not live up to your expectations?” Excellent question. John the Baptist did not understand everything Jesus was saying or preaching. He could not figure out why Jesus was so “lenient” for example. He also was not sure if Jesus was the Messiah at some point. He had understandable doubts. Yet, he remained faithful throughout.
Takeaway: I do not have to understand everything. God and faith are sometimes a great mystery, and I need to be comfortable with that. Coming out of fundamentalist circles, we usually feel the need for clarity and certainty. We need to have an answer, a position, a stance on every subject. Why? How about being cool with sitting in uncertainty? If we understood everything, why have faith then? John asked questions, but he did not always receive an answer. And I guess that’s okay.
The greatest commandment is not, “Understand everything and have an opinion on every aspect of faith”; it is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself”.
John the Baptist was an inspiring, if intimidating character. His life was very challenging. There are many lessons to learn. A short book well worth reading.