As reported in The Guardian (and elsewhere), China is closing some Christian churches and imprisoning their pastors.
“Researchers say the current drive, fuelled by government unease over the growing number of Christians and their potential links to the west, is aimed not so much at destroying Christianity but bringing it to heel.”
I’m a bit amused by their efforts. Jailing pastors is one thing, bringing God “to heel” is quite another.
Psalm 2:1-5 (NIV)
Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
“Let us break their chains
and throw off their shackles.”
The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath.
I doubt the ones closing the churches understand the wrath of God.
Lord, open the eyes of those who think their regulations can shelter them from the power of God. Turn their hearts to You, in Jesus’ name.
In China they’re arresting pastors,
and Christians ride for a fall,
but to the NBA is doesn’t matter
as long as it’s not basketball.
Hoops is played as pure sport
with money coming on the side
so it is of no real import
who is drowned by rising tide.
Steve Kerr and LeBron maintain
that Peking’s business is its own
and that Christians own the pain
that for them their faith has sown.
Well, OK, but here’s what follows:
y’all won’t get my viewing dollars.
It’s Peking to me, and to hell with the bloody Godless reds.
The love of money taints all, even basketball. So sad.