The Measure of Commitment

Sunday 4-13-15 (Monte Hermoso, Argentina)

Scripture reading:  1 Sam 14   1 Chron 4   2 Cor 13

S.  1 Sam 14:21-23 Even the Hebrews who had gone over to the Philistine army revolted and joined in with Saul, Jonathan, and the rest of the Israelites.  Likewise, the men who were hiding in the hills joined the chase when they saw the Philistines running away.  So the LORD saved Israel that day… NLT

O.  Cowards fight for whichever way the battle is going.  It is a story hidden in a few passing words, but many of the Israelites had fled their homes to stay out of the Philistine’s path and still others had gone traitor and signed up with the Philistine army to fight their own people.  But now when the huge Philistine army was is total disarray and fleeing for their lives, Israelite men came running out of their hiding holes and joined the chase and even those that had turned traitor by joining the Philistine army, now turned on the Philistines. 

A.  As we attempt to serve the Lord Jesus, we often find that we are in a minority.  The world around us looks down on us, ridicules us and politicians push through rules that hamper our advance.  Our Christian young people that survive these attacks seek the Lord and become strong witnesses. 

However I have noticed that when the table is turned and a church has grown in size with a large attractive building and a popular Christian school with hundreds of handsome young men and pretty girls graduating with high honors… things change.  In that town it slowly has become popular to become a “Christian.”  At that point we face a new set of dynamics.  Young men and women easily join up with the winners… however their measure of commitment may be weaker… and they may often be in danger of taking sides with the enemies of Christ if they see them taking over. 

P.  Lord, I pray that You strengthen those of us that may have cowardly hearts.  Already under pressure some have slipped away from Your Church to hide… and others even have joined forces with the enemy.  Give us young men and women who are totally and openly committed to Your service.  May my commitment not bend or break under the pressure of an advancing “winning army.”  Raise us up to be strong in Your might, willing to stand for Your moral principles and Your saving Gospel even when the whole world seems to be against us. 

I pray again for those that have taken that firm stand today and whose little children are being beheaded before their eyes for their strong commitment to You.  Would I stand strong in such a desperate situation?  Oh God, only You know.  As the enemy of our souls brings his evil forces against us… may we follow You… if even to our death if necessary!   Amen.  

Ralph