“But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:33 NLT).

In 2016, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a stand against police brutality and racism by kneeling during the National Anthem. When the National Anthem is played or sung, it is customary for United States citizens to stand with their right hand over their heart. As a protest and to show concern for the disparity in our country, Kaepernick began a movement that continues today.

As a general rule, when we take a stand for what we believe, it causes controversy. Those with a different viewpoint will disagree with our stance. We take the risk of being criticized, shunned, injured, or put to death for overtly demonstrating our convictions. Despite the possible consequences, many continue to take a stand for what they feel is right. Such was the case with two biblical women whose names are mentioned once in the Bible; Shiphrah and Puah. They were chief midwives tucked away in Jewish history in the book of Exodus.

Shiphrah and Puah were given a mandate by the King of Egypt to kill the Hebrew baby boys at birth. Because the midwives had a reverence for God, they defied the King’s command and allowed the male children to live. Their defiance put them in jeopardy of being punished or put to death by the King. Their explanation for not following orders was the Hebrew women didn’t need their assistance; they gave birth before their arrival. Even though this was a partial truth, their reason must have appeased the King; he didn’t reprimand them.

The scenario in Exodus 1:15-21 is a depiction of God’s faithfulness. The midwives stood for righteousness, and God stood with them. Not only did God spare their lives, but He also gave them households; that is, they married and had children (v. 21). 

We live in perilous times when men are lovers of themselves more than lovers of God. Right is called wrong, and wrong is called right. Society’s norms do not change the mind and heart of God. He still commands the sanctity of life and marriage. As His child, are you standing for God’s agenda? Or are you bowing to the pressures of society? Do you want to be popular and powerful with God or popular and influential with man? 

Proverbs 29:25 (NLT) states, “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.”

It takes courage and faith to live a pure and holy life, even in the United States of America, where so many don’t reverence Jesus. God knew these times would come, that’s why He forewarned if we deny Him on the earth, He will deny us in heaven.

Paul admonishes us, “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6 NLT).

Moses tested the people’s loyalty when he said, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side, come to me” (Exodus 32:26)! Elijah wanted to know, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him” (1Kings 18:21). Joshua declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

Are you rooted and established in the faith to the point of taking a bold stand for God? What convictions will you stand for amid danger?

Declare…

Lord, I love You, and with your strength, I will never deny You!

Posted by on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020 @ 10:00AM
Categories: Empowering, Encouragement, Inspirational
Tags: agreement, commitment, Inspirational, loyalty, unity