PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST TO A LOST AND DYING WORLD
Edited and Published by Jack Critchfield
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Volume 6 Issue 4 |
April, 2002 |
Fighting The Little Battles First
Kent E. Heaton Sr.
The book of Daniel opens with King Nebuchadnezzar taking captives from the children of Israel to serve in his palace. "Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego." (Daniel 1:6,7)
These four young men were torn from their homeland and taken to a heathen world of pagan idolatry with a very bleak future in store. From the pages of the book of Daniel, we find four young men - not being defeated by the turn of events in their young life - but four young men who turn despair into victory for the God they loved an served.
To become trapped in a world of slavery at any age is difficult at best. To have the whole world awaiting before you at a young age and have it all taken away in a moment's turn is almost unbearable to understand. The faith of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah would be put to the test numerous times during their life in captivity.
From early childhood, we learn of the great heroes of the book of Daniel. The king has a terrible dream that none of his magicians, astrologers, sorcerers and wise men could tell him. Nebuchadnezzar did not want his council to tell him the meaning of the dream but also the dream itself. As the Chaldeans admitted finally, "There is not a man on earth who can tell the king's matter; therefore no king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such things of any magician, astrologer, or Chaldean. It is a difficult thing that the king requests, and there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh." (Daniel 2:10,11)
Because of their failure to tell him the dream and the interpretation, the king ordered all the wise men killed. Daniel and his three friends were to be killed by the order of the king along with the other wise men. Daniel sought intercession and through prayer with his three friends, God revealed the dream and its meaning. Daniel praised God for His mercy and told the king the dream and its meaning. What great faith Daniel and his friends had in God. (Daniel 2)
Later, the king builds a great image of gold and demands that when the music is played, everyone would bow down and worship the image. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego refused to do so, even with the penalty of being thrown into a furnace to their deaths. Brought before the king, they again refused to disgrace the God they worshipped by bowing down to an idol. The king threw the young men into the furnace but God delivered them. How courageous and faithful these young men were to stand before the king of the land and refuse his commands. What great faith they shared in God. (Daniel 3)
Throughout their lives in Babylon, their faith would be challenged and put to the test but they would remain faithful to their God. Daniel is thrown into a den of lions for disobeying the command of a later king, Darius. His faith would not falter in the face of persecution by those who hated him. (Daniel 6)
As we read those stories and see how great their faith was in God, we must turn the camera back to another time before all these great hero's were made. The events of Daniel 2, 3 and 6 were not events that happened of themselves. These were trials in the lives of four young men that required a life of preparation before then. Where did their faith arise from? How were they able to stand before the king and deny his commands? What possessed them to be willingly cast into a furnace of fire or a den of lions? The answer to this puzzle is found in Daniel 1.
When brought to the king's palace, "The king appointed for them a daily provision of the king's delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king ... But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself." (Daniel 1:5,8)
The young men could do little about their name changes or the schooling they would be required to be part of. The eating of the "kings' delicacies and of the wine which he drank," was a different matter. It mattered to them about defiling their bodies and they had purposed in their heart not to defile their bodies with the king's portion. Daniel proposes a test to which the steward consented which allowed them to eat only vegetables. "And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king's delicacies. Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables." (Daniel 1:15,16)
The victory won at this time will measure the level of success in their battles later in life. They knew that in order to win the big battles later in life, they must learn to fight the little battles and win. Their training began early in life. (Daniel 6:10) They learned to pray early, to use the wisdom of God's word early and to trust in God early.
It is hard to imagine what events took place when they were captured and taken as slaves from their homeland. Even on the road to Babylon, as they watched the horizon of Israel fade from their view, their faith in God remained intact. They were already winning battles to prepare them for what was ahead. God had not abandoned them on the road to Babylon. Their feet were taking them to a foreign country but their hearts saw the promises of God, and "having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." (Hebrews 11:13)
Their faith remained strong in the face of bondage, being taught a heathen doctrine, the changing of their names and a new diet of food. God was watching over them every step of the way. The little battles must be won first to prepare for the larger battles that loom ahead. Their decisions made a difference in their lives to stand for truth at all times. As men of God, they possessed the courage, faith and conviction to stand up for God. They were ready to proclaim without fear or dread what they believed.
Small prayers beget big prayers and small deeds of kindness beget big deeds of kindness. Small victories of faith increase our courage to stand in the face of overwhelming forces of evil. Learning to face the battles today will help us to fight with courage the battles of tomorrow. Courage is learned from knees bowed before God seeking His counsel and blessing in the face of a den of lions. Courage is the ability to speak the words to a king and say, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18)
C. S. Lewis said, "Courage is not simply one of the virtues - but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means at the point of highest reality." Daniel and his friends showed great courage in the face of unbelievable trials. Their faith is not unusual nor unheard in our time. As saints of God, we can take a stand for truth and boldly proclaim our allegiance to Christ the king. Fighting the little battle's first is how we learn to wage war against the "Principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)
With courage and faith we "can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) Learning to fight the little battle's first will help us to know that "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)
In war, every battle fought is important. As children of God, we possess the greatest power known to defeat Satan on every hand - Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Whether the battle is small or the battle great, we can conquer and we can overcome. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah stand as monuments to the spirit of courage that all can embrace today in our daily battles.
John F. Kennedy said, "Effort and courage are not enough without purpose and direction." What set Daniel and his friend apart is they purposed in their hearts to serve God - and Him alone. Our hearts must be set on doing the will of God and to serve the true and living God - and Him alone. "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12)
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All prayers are answered if we are willing to admit that sometimes the answer is "No."
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Andy Diestelkamp
We do not live in a world of peace. Recent conflicts around the world, shooting sprees throughout our nation, and even murders in our hometowns remind us that we live in a world of sin and that with sin comes conflict. On a long-term basis, this is unavoidable. Yes, often conflict is the result of two or more selfish and evil entities battling one another, but sometimes even those who desire peace find themselves having to enter the fray to defend themselves or those worthy of help. We may consider "peace-keeping forces" an oxymoron, but keeping the peace often involves the ability and will to fight. This is no less true in the spiritual realm.
The scriptures have much to say about peace, all of which must be balanced with what they say about the reality of conflict. It is not wrong to long for peace, but to do so unrealistically only gives aid and comfort to those who would take advantage of our unwillingness to fight. The ecumenical movement so predominant in our culture scorns conflict, but, in so doing, creates only an artificial peace and gives evil the opportunity to get a foothold.
Martin Luther once said, "When Christians are not doing battle with the devil…that is not a good sign…. Therefore, whoever desires to see the Christian Church existing in quiet peace, entirely without crosses, without heresy, and without factions, will never see it thus, or else he must view the false church of the devil as the real church'' (The Three Symbols or Creeds of the Christian Church, 1538).
Peace, we want. But any peace movement that gives evil a respite is ill-conceived. The spiritual battle is real and there can be no compromise with evil. Thus, in reality, there will be no lasting peace in a world of sin.
In speaking to His apostles just before his arrest, Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace"; but then He warned them, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (Jn. 16:33). The peace offered by Jesus is that which is found in Him and reconciles us to our Creator (Eph. 2:14-17). Notice, however, that it was through the conflict, violence and blood of the cross that peace was achieved.
The world will call for peace and, perhaps, even declare it, but it is not the peace of scripture. Jeremiah spoke of the religious leaders of his day who would declare, "Peace, peace!" when there was no peace. They were a people without moral shame who had forgotten how to blush (Jer. 6:14,15).
I dare say that we are in a similar situation today. There are those who preach visions of their own hearts instead of the will of God and declare peace for those who despise God's ways (Jer. 23:16,17).
To declare peace when there really isn't any is a superficial attempt to make people feel better when they should be repenting. Instead, we have a multitude of clergy who haven't the moral conviction to preach the truth that calls for genuine repentance and submission. Part of the reason for this is that we have a culture that can't stand to be told that its attitudes and behaviors are wrong. The apostle Paul warned that the time would come when professing Christians would not "endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" (2 Tim. 4:3,4).
The call for peace by some on spiritual issues is an attempt to neutralize conflict and controversy. In large part it has worked, and we have reared a generation untaught in the ways of God and unable and unwilling to take a stand against evil.
Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword." Consider His practical application as He said, "A man's foes will be those of his own household" (Matt. 10:34-36). Jesus did not seek to negotiate peace with evil. He sought to defeat it, and did. On whose side do you want to be?
Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24). He didn't say, "Let him deny his cross and look out for himself." Being a disciple of Jesus means being willing to make sacrifices and face conflicts.
Peter warned that there would be false prophets who would secretly bring in destructive heresies (2 Pet. 2:1-9). The reality is that there will always be those who will oppose what is good. One way to do that is to deceive people into believing that they're getting peace when they're getting poison. Certainly the presence of conflict can be disturbing and sobering, but that is better than allowing evil to rule at will.
"Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God" (Jas. 4:4). Conflict is unavoidable! Either you are with God or you're against Him. If you're with Him, then you'll have conflict with the world. If you side with the world, then you have conflict with God. "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (Jas. 4:6,7).
Do not allow the presence of conflict to discourage you. Instead, "take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day" (Eph. 6:13). Be encouraged knowing, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31).
via "Think on These Things",
July-August-September, 1999
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"For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all."
James 2:10
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Greg Gwin
As we struggle with our daily walk, it is easy to start feeling sorry for ourselves. After all, we are trying to live a pure life in the midst of a very wicked world. There are temptations and trials on every hand. And, on top of that, if we take a firm stand on moral or doctrinal principles some of our own brethren will likely brand us as "extreme" or "fanatical." It's often hard to do what is right under such circumstances.
But, wait! As we read our Bibles we see that God's faithful people have always suffered for their convictions. The enemies of truth have consistently persecuted anyone who tried to do right. And, quite often, the strongest persecutions have come from those
who claimed to be doing the will of God. Take a moment to recall how the prophets of the Old Testament were mistreated. Think about how the early Christians suffered for their faith. Recall the ultimate example -- that of Jesus and how the Jewish leaders cried out to have Him brutally murdered.
Furthermore, we should take note of the fact that there are many places in the world today where people are severely persecuted for trying to serve God. In China, "the communist government has called for the eradication of the independent Christian movement . . . believers are arrested for holding prayer meetings, preaching and distributing Bibles." In Sudan, those who profess Christianity are being "crucified, kidnapped and often sold into slavery. . . Evidence suggests that entire male populations of villages have been crucified, including boys as young as nine years old." In Saudi Arabia, people endure "severe beatings and imprisonment for professing their faith." (all quotes via _Washington Watch_, a publication of Family Research Council).
Yes, it's hard sometimes, but "ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin" (Hebrews 12:4). "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (Deut. 31:6).
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Clarence R. Johnson
After the scribes and Pharisees rebuked the disciples of Jesus for eating without their ceremonial hand washings, Jesus pointed out that the washing they required was a human command -- not a Divine law. He countered with the fact that the scribes and Pharisees had been guilty of actually setting aside God’s law in order to adhere to some of their human traditions.
Then, on the subject of clean and unclean foods, etc., Jesus said, "Hear and understand: not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man" (Matt. 15:10-11). When His disciples noted that the Pharisees were offended, that is, they stumbled over His setting their time-honored traditions aside, He elaborated, "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted." These human doctrines will not stand in the final testing time. The Pharisees were described as blind leaders and their disciples as blind followers. Both leader and follower would stumble and fall into the ditch.
Peter asked for a more complete explanation, and Jesus answered, "Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witnesses, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man" (Matt. 15:12-20).
Mark tells us that Jesus not only set aside the human traditions of the scribes and Pharisees, but on the basis of what He said, all foods have been purified, Mark 7:19. Even those things which were unlawful for Israelites to eat under the Law of Moses, have been purified by the words of the Son of God, and may be eaten today by God’s people as long as they are sanctified by prayers of thanksgiving, 1 Tim. 4:4-5. It might be well that we remind ourselves that Jesus never violated or belittled anything written in the Law of God, nor encouraged anyone to violate it in the least degree. He noted how certain of the religious leaders tithed even the smallest herbs from their gardens, but unfortunately those same religious leaders often failed to show justice, mercy and faith. He did not tell them to quit tithing. He said instead, "These you ought to have done without leaving the others undone" (Matt. 23:23). They should have done both. Jesus never encouraged them to set aside any part of God’s law.
But when Jesus died on the cross, He fulfilled and abolished the Old Testament law and nailed it to the cross, Col. 2:14-16; Eph. 2:11-18. Today, under the law of Christ, "every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving" (1 Tim. 4:4).
via The Susquehanna Sentinel
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Jack Critchfield, Editor & Publisher
403 Coit Way, Salinas, Ca. 93907
(831) 772-9557
jcritch@a1above.net
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