Focal Passage: 1 Samuel 22:6-17
As I sat down to write this article, I saw an online article in Christianity Today (June 24, 2016) by Ed Stetzer about an upcoming legislation in California that would restrict fully faith-based education to seminaries only. This would impact all Christian colleges and universities in the state. And, in turn, it will set a precedent that will probably affect Christian colleges and universities in all states.
We are living in a day and age in America where standing for Christian values and moral values are creating opposition at all levels.
Being able to share openly without any fear of persecution and opposition may be coming to an end. Our Founding Fathers saw the importance of God in creating this nation; He is being slowly pushed out. And in turn, we may be facing opposition strictly by doing what is biblically correct.
In our lesson this week, Saul and his army were pursuing David even though he had not done anything worthy of such treatment. He went to Ahimelech, the priest, and sought supplies and aid. Ahimelech provided help. When Saul heard of it he accused Ahimelech of participating in a conspiracy against him. Because of Saul’s accusation, Saul demanded that the priests be put to death. Saul ordered his men to kill them. They, however, would not obey because the priests were the Lord’s anointed. They had chosen to obey God rather than man (see Acts 5:29).
The Bible is filled with examples of the truth that the world is not a friend of God. Often believers are called to stand up for what is right, even when everyone around them seems in opposition. The days of being looked upon favorably by the government and those around us may be ending. We need to be aware and awake to the changes happening around us, and prepare to stand for God and His Word no matter what others may do. As Southern Baptists, we are called by God to build His Kingdom. Are we willing to take a stand for Him today?