15/05/2013 - WHY DO OUR CITIES LACK JOY?

• 
• 
• 
• 

And there was great joy in that city.

Acts 8.8

We are responsible for the lack of joy in our cities. Because of that, people are looking for happiness in the wrong things. Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, for example, took 5 million people to the streets, but after the party, what was left to them? Other parties also lead people to waste money, time and energy seeking for something that will not bring them real joy. We Christians know what real joy is, but are doing nothing for these people.

Since the beginning of Jesus’ ministry on earth, Philip was with him, and, despite not having been chosen to be one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, he carried out the work of God, bringing the Solution to the Samaritans through the Holy Spirit. Once he got there, he preached the gospel of Christ and many people listened to him, because they saw that he had God’s power.

We must not judge those who do not know the Truth and live a sinful life, because they do not have the Light and, many times, we isolate ourselves instead of showing them the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. Our lack of courage and fear of suffering silences us. Nevertheless, we are responsible for many errors these people have made and the suffering that has come upon them.

When Jesus entered the synagogue in Capernaum, he saw that many Pharisees and scribes were watching him that they might accuse him of healing on the Sabbath; but he did not allow fear to change his plans. He immediately saw a man who had the withered hand and told him to arise. Then, while Jesus was surrounded by people who wanted to find an accusation against him, he told the man to stretch out his hand, and his hand was restored as whole as the other (Luke 6.6-11).

Sometimes what we lack is courage and willingness to let go of material things, and not power to do God’s work. We are carnal beings, always thinking of our next vacation, the new car or house we are going to buy, while we should be concentrating in the work of God. While we are keeping silent, evil spirits are acting and taking many people to hell. We must feed those who are hungry for justice!

For a long time, the devil dominated the Samaritans, and they refused to receive Jesus a little before Philip got there. But this did not prevent Philip from obeying his order from God. For those who belong to God, nothing is an impediment, not even hunger, inconvenience or persecution. So do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1.9).

Do something for those who are lost, as Philip did, having learned from Jesus himself the message to be conveyed and the right way to do that. He preached the good news (the Solution) and many people listened to him, because they saw the oppressed being delivered and the sick being healed (Acts 8.7), and there was great joy in that city.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares