http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2LfNVto5oc
Words like captive, pawn and victim are often associated with a hostage. Despite this negative connotation, hostages can find a state of mind where peace is achieved. Such is the case for a pastor arrested in communist China, sentenced to a prison camp for proselytizing where a cess pool became his home. Days led to weeks, weeks to months and months to years, forced to dwell in a place which most gagged on the stench. Yet, in this living hell, this man of God imagined the words of the Bible he read throughout his years of ministry. Overtime, a transformation conceived a hostage of peace.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you, Isaiah 26:3.
In August of 2012, Tenth Avenue North released The Struggle, an album that featured several songs with powerful lyrics. One of my favorites is Hostage of Peace, commences with the idea earthly battles begin in the heart.
Feel the silence
There’s a war beneath our skin
Let it begin
It’s hard to fight
It’s hard to lead resistance
It’s our hearts we’re up against
Although the world around human beings may fall apart, Ten Avenue North encourages individuals to cling to the promises in the Bible. When danger approaches, the author of this song suggests to cry out to in prayer to find the loving arms of our heavenly Father. This is where an individual can become a hostage of peace.
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord, Hebrews 12:14.
Decades following this pastor’s travails, would modern Christians be able to survive if stripped away from their spiritual foundation? With temptations lurking around every corner, waiting to pounce on unprepared souls, could a strong faith endure without access to the Bible? God willing, American believers won’t have to experience the trials of nations in spiritual bondage. However, if the culture continues to embrace and lean toward leftist beliefs, church leaders will need to prepare their congregations to obtain a hostage of peace.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 