Greetings in Christ,
The selected scriptures below gives us a look at three different time periods where those who took a stand for God were confronted with death as a solution for their silence by those who opposed them. Elijah in 1 Kings has been threatened by Jezebel for killing all her priests that honored Baal, and now he faces the possibility his life will be taken. Jesus has been preaching in the temples and it has given the Pharisees something to worry about. They feel they will lose their power given by the Romans because the people will be following Jesus instead of them, so they plot to kill Jesus, and Jesus now must retreat to out laying areas to preach until it is time for His death. Peter and the apostles are being cast into jail and told not to preach in the name of Jesus. Again, the Pharisees take a stand to eliminate the apostles by proposing their death to keep them silent.
These are just three of the many times those who followed God faced death as their alternative because others did not like what they had to say. They chose to take a stand because they knew they had God on their side. They were willing to be bold in their speech and actions knowing God would either protect them from those who opposed them, or they would see God in heaven. They placed all their trust in God no matter the situation or the outcome. They were willing to take a stand.
Our times are not much better here in the now. Granted it is harder to have someone killed for their belief, but jail time is real. We have been so used to having freedom of religion here in the USA, but that is all changing. Christianity is becoming the minority, and it has taken the back seat in many people’s lives. Many say they believe in God, but do not have the intention to take a stand for what they say and believe. It is better to get along then to take a stand. Many call them peacekeepers which go with the flow rather than with the truth.
The Bible is full of many stories where people took a stand for God. They trusted in God to the point they could face anything without fear. They built their foundation on the truth which gave them the foot hold they needed to take a stand. They were willing to stand on that foundation even if God decided they were to come home (heaven). No doubts, no reservations just a stand for God and His truth.
When we look at their willingness to take a stand, it must be an inspiration to us. It has to give us the hope that they did not give up anything but gained everything. They saw God for Who He really was and were willing to believe and trust He would be there no matter what may take place. They faced their future with optimism knowing God had their back. Nothing was going to deter them from changing their mind.
How far are we willing to go in this time and age? I heard a recently retired pastor say, “I am glad to get out now, so I do not have to deal with the same sex marriage thing”. Rather than to take a stand the option of retiring became the better answer. I wondered did he believe what he had been preaching for so long. I do not want to sound critical, but did he read the same Bible I did?
We all have choices to make, but are we making those choices for ourselves or for God? Have we really studied the Bible and fully understand God wins in the end? Do we really think we have it any easier than those who took a stand for God? If we think we will not face reality we are fooling ourselves.
It is never easy to take a stand for the truth. Someone will oppose it and find a reason to silence it, but it takes those who are willing to believe in a God who will be by their side no matter the situation. They know they will be gaining everything and losing nothing.
How lovely are Your dwelling places, O Lord of hosts! My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. The bird also has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! T ever praising You. Selah. How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion! Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; the early rain also covers it with blessings. They go from strength to strength, every one of them appears before God in Zion. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah. Behold our shield, O God, and look upon the face of Your anointed. For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!” Psalm 84
Lord may we take a stand on Your truth, and trust in You when we stand upon Your truth. Amen
Blessings,