Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be
blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts
honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a
defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that
is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:14-15

Florida's 12-year-old Giovanni Rubeo was in trouble with his teacher.

No, he wasn't being disrespectful, and he wasn't being a bully to
other students. Rubeo hadn't neglected his homework, and he
wasn't regularly skipping class. He hadn't brought guns or knives to
school, and he wasn't being defiant.

That being said, Rubeo was told to dial his home phone number.
When he did as instructed, while the rest of the class watched and
listened, the teacher took the phone and left a rather brusque
message on the parent's answering machine.

But maybe I am getting ahead of myself. I should back up and tell
you Rubeo had been in trouble before. The teacher had decided his
selection of reading material during "free reading time" had been
offensive. More than once the teacher had confronted Rubeo about
his choices in reading material. On other occasions he complied
with her order to "Put that book away." This time, with his father's
blessing, Rubeo declined. That's when the teacher left the following
message:

"I noticed that he has a book -- a religious book -- in the classroom.
He's not permitted to read those books in my classroom."

Did you get that? The teacher said that during "free reading time,"
which is when the kids are allowed to pick a book of their own
choice, Rubeo is not allowed to read religious material, in this case,
a Bible. The boy's outraged father maintains the folks at his son's
school and school district need to understand the concept of freedom
of religion. Legal experts agree with dad and say they also need to
understand the guidelines put out by the U.S. Department of
Education. (To see the official government position on Bible reading,
see the reference and link after the prayer.)

Now it's tragic that any young student in our nation should have to
face such non-violent persecution, but we can still give thanks. We
can give thanks because, from start to finish, Rubeo's family has
followed the instructions given in 1 Peter. When their faith was
challenged,

1. they were prepared to make a defense of their faith;

2. they gave an answer for the hope they have in the Redeemer;

3. they gave their response with gentleness and respect.

There is little doubt this kind of persecution will increase in years to
come. By God's grace and the Holy Spirit's power, may we prepare
our young people to stand firm for the Lord Jesus who gave His life
for their forgiveness and salvation.

THE PRAYER:

Dear Lord, we give thanks for the opportunity to stand up for the
Savior who stood strong for us. Grant that our witness may touch
others and point them to the Savior who gave His life for our
forgiveness. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

(Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)