Fearless of the World’s Despising
Written by Mark VanDyke
“Jesus, Mighty King of Zion”
Fearless of the world’s despising, We the ancient path pursue; Buried with our Lord, and rising To a life divinely new.
The little-known hymn “Jesus, Mighty King of Zion”1 was written by John Fellows to commemorate a baptism. What kind of life is a Christian being baptized into? While this question might seem elementary, how we answer will impact the mission of the church, including how we approach sexual ethics.
The third verse of the hymn, which is quoted above, describes the Christian as having been buried with our Lord and risen to a life divinely new.2 One of the signs that a person has been raised with Christ is fearlessness of the world’s despising. This powerful lyric captures the confident disposition of a Jesus-follower, while also recognizing the reality of the world’s hostility towards God and his people.
Christians throughout the centuries have been persecuted and martyred, but many have displayed the peace of Christ during trials and even at the moment of their executions. While we have been providentially spared from violent opposition, American and Canadian Christians are likely to encounter what Pope Francis has called “polite persecution.” This happens when people proclaim that biblical theology or ethics are a hindrance to societal progress or personal fulfillment. Given the ever-widening gulf between the way of Christ and western civil religion, examples abound where biblical theology and ethics are regarded with disdain or ridiculed.
During a recent conversation about marriage I experienced “the world’s despising.” The church I serve (Almond Valley CRC) has a beautiful sanctuary, and a couple that attends a megachurch in a nearby city expressed interest in being married at Almond Valley and having me officiate the service. I was excited to meet them for coffee so I could learn their story and discern if I and the church would be a good fit for their wedding plans. During the conversation the couple mentioned they had moved in together when they got engaged. Recognizing that they would experience any challenge to their sin as judgmental, I asked if they would be interested in any help I or my church could give that would enable them to prepare for marriage by committing to celibacy. The young man stared at me blankly. The young woman pursed her lips, and stared daggers at me while I gave some options for how I could assist them in moving towards God’s will for their relationship. I (gently) communicated that I take my role as a wedding officiant seriously and could not solemnize a marriage that I know has not been built on the foundation of God’s Word. Over and again my message was that I want to help them in following Jesus on the straight and narrow path of life. It was exciting to think about how setting Christ as Lord over all areas of their lives would bring blessing in the months ahead. The next day I received an email that they would be seeking another church and officiant for their wedding.
There are three possible responses to this kind of rejection. I could adjust my teaching to the cultural status quo so the world would no longer despise me. I could reject them as they rejected me, retreating to my tribe where people think and act just like me. Or I could continue in ministry remembering I am a forgiven sinner and am called to love God and my neighbor, at times in spite of my neighbor’s response to me.
The Christian Reformed Church has a history of engaging the world with love instead of succumbing to the temptation to push the hostile world away. Abraham Kuyper encouraged a loving response to the world’s rejection, “Woe to you if in your battle against your brothers and sisters, you ever allow the spirit of the Evil One—who engenders hate—to motivate you, rather than the Spirit of Christ, who breathes love.”3 The Apostle Paul taught, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”4
Will the Christian Reformed Church be fearless of the despising directed towards us from the world, and even from within our own flock? Will we be like Moses, who chose to be mistreated with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin because he considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt?5
It is strong evidence of a person’s regeneration by the Spirit that you will not only trust in Jesus and live a Christ-like life, but that your response to the world’s despising of that life will be increased devotion to the Lord and love for your neighbors.
Rev. Mark VanDyke studied for his Master of Divinity at Calvin Theolgical Seminary and has been Lead Pastor at Almond Valley CRC in Ripon CA since 2015.
Also see the modern rendition of the hymn, “None but Thee” by Young Oceans on the album Voices, Volume I
Romans 6:4
Kuyper, Abraham, Pro Rege, Volume II: The Kingship of Christ in Its Operation, Series I, Part 6
Romans 12:21
Hebrews 11:25-26
I read your anecdote a couple of times just to make sure I understand your point. You aren't a martyr, you're just acting like a jerk. Your own description of your actions and internal motivations demonstrate judgement and self righteousness. Nothing more. I hope this couple that (rightly) rejected you and your church have a long and happy marriage.
You write about this one issue. But I hear nothing about Care for the poor, the widow and the foreigner. I don't hear anything about loving your neighbor. The silence is deafening