Overworked and Overwhelmed

Recent studies have shown that, on average, Americans feel more stress now than they did just twenty years ago. We have over scheduled and overworked ourselves to the point that many are simply overwhelmed. It’s no coincidence that the rate of clinically diagnosed depression and anxiety disorders has also skyrocketed in the last few years.

The world has evidently convinced us that we really can “have it all” regarding things, jobs, relationships, and even time. We buy on credit, market our resumes online, and talk on cell phones while we drive in order to “maximize” our time and resources. As a result, we find ourselves frantically rushing from one life activity to the next, never stopping to consider whether this kind of hurried, frenetic life is a good thing.

Are you ready to hear the word of God on this matter? His word is not blaring from an airport P.A. system, nor is it screaming out from billboards along the highway. His voice is found lying on a bookshelf in the quiet, forgotten corners of our homes. And you’ll never believe what He’s been saying:

“Slow down, my hurried servants.”

To a culture that believes in working overtime, God says, “slow down.” To a people who live and die by the clock, God says, “slow down.” To a frantic nation desperately in search of happiness and meaning, God says, “slow down.” To frazzled parents and anxious children alike, God is saying to us, “slow down.”

I’m not making this up. His will has been right there in Scripture all along, but we’ve been moving too fast to notice: “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). “Wait on the Lord” (Ps. 27:14). “So teach us to number our days, that we might gain a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12). God wants us to slow down our lives so that He can be a part of them. Jesus said the cares of this world and deceitfulness of riches can choke God out of the lives of even the most devoted disciples (Mk. 4:19). Hurriedness is often a sign that Jesus’ warning is coming true in our lives.

Make no mistake: it’s costly to slow down. We’ll be giving up some things the world holds dear — finances, flexibility, and even productivity. But did you ever hear the story of the man who tried to do everything? He failed.

It’s time God’s people started talking seriously about priorities. God cannot be crammed into a crowded life as an afterthought. That’s essentially the same as offering Him a lame sacrifice (cf. Malachi 1:8). He is worth our very best (Rev. 4:11), and He demands the first place in our lives (Matt. 6:33). We cannot worship and serve Him as we ought until we change our attitude toward the world (Jas. 4:4; Rom. 12:1-2). We desperately need to slow down.

Slow down! A hurried life is often evidence of a life too much in love with this world (1 Jn. 2:15-17). God commands us work hard and do our best (Eccl. 9:10; 1 Cor. 15:58), but He never asked us to try to do everything! How arrogant we are to buy into the lie that we can, “have it all.” If every spiritual blessing is found in Christ (Eph. 1:3), then why do we spend so much time in pursuit of more? Are we not satisfied in Him?

If God could schedule how you spend every second of your time each day for the next month, what would change? May more of us turn to Him as we resolve to be still in His presence (cf. Ps. 46:10; Hab. 2:20)!  JB

The Joyful Kingdom

It’s sad that some people don’t find very much joy in the church. Some see the church as a burden, and others see it as a nuisance. Still more people see Christ’s church as a killjoy, an entity that seeks to rob them of every pleasure they might otherwise enjoy. How do you view Christ’s church?

The church is also known as the kingdom of God (Col. 1:13; Matt. 16:16-18). And make no mistake: the kingdom of God is intended by God to be a joyful one! When Christ the King was born, the angels rejoiced: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14). Jesus came to bring mankind the best possible life (Jn. 10:10), and that life is found in His church (cf. Eph. 1:3-7). His kingdom is joyful.

Jesus once told a parable about the joy of His kingdom: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matt. 13:44). From this passage we find three important principles about Christ’s church:

The kingdom is hidden from some — Many people will never see the kingdom of God because they have so set their hearts and minds that they will not hear God’s word. The Bible speaks of those who do not love the truth (2 Thess. 2:12-13), and have stony, hard hearts (Matt. 13:4-5). We should not be surprised that many people are deceived concerning the nature of Christ’s kingdom. Could it be, however, that one reason we do not find joy in Christ’s kingdom is because we also have hardened our hearts against His word? God’s will is that everyone should humble themselves like Christ (Phil. 2:5) so that we might share in the treasures of His kingdom.

The kingdom is intended for joy — The emphasis of Jesus’ parable in Matt. 13:44 is on the incomparable joy to be found in Christ’s church. As a matter of fact, Jesus intended for us to be a joyful people because of our salvation in Him! “These things I have spoken to you that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Christ’s kingdom has a serious and sobering mission, but citizens of the kingdom are to be characterized by surpassing joy because of the privilege that is ours to be servants of Almighty God. The Bible speaks of fullness of joy being found in the will of God (Ps. 16:11; 1 John 1:4). He has given to us a ministry that brings great benefits (2 Cor. 4:1-7) and great joy (Phil. 4:4).

The kingdom is a treasure to be prized — How we view the church will make all the difference in where our priorities lie. In Matt. 13:44, the man who discovered the kingdom went and sold all he had so that he might possess the treasures of Christ’s kingdom. Every spiritual blessing is found in the body of Christ (Eph. 1:3,21-22). Because of the joy to be found in the kingdom, people throughout history have given up things like their jobs (Mk. 1:16-18), their families (Luke 14:26ff), their material possessions (Acts 4:36-37), and sometimes even their lives (Acts 7:59-60; Rev. 2:10,13). In reality, no one can be a part of the kingdom of Christ without first surrendering everything to Him (2 Cor. 8:5).

You will never find “fullness of joy” apart from the church of Jesus Christ. Only a life of self-sacrificial renunciation will be pleasing to the God who created us (Phil. 2:5-11). What’s been keeping you from the joy that Jesus intends for you to have? Are you living for self, or are you, “crucified with Christ?” (Gal. 2:20). — JB

How Jesus Felt About Children

Children are the purest, most innocent people I know. Every day they rediscover the world with a freshness and exuberance that many adults seem to have lost. For kids, everything is exciting — from discovering a new bug on the front porch to just walking through the woods on a “discovery expedition.” Children report what they see with an honesty and candor that often makes adults laugh (and sometimes blush)! No wonder Jesus said, “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it (Luke 18:17).”

I find it fascinating that the Bible says parents brought their children to Jesus. Moms and dads brought their children to Him so that He could touch and pray for them (Luke 18:15). It was a young boy who brought loaves and fishes to Jesus (John 6:9). Jairus, a man of great stature, earnestly begged the Savior to visit his little girl, who was deathly ill (Mark 5:23). And make no mistake — the ancient world had its share of evil men who could easily hurt children. Still, parents saw the value of introducing their children to Jesus.

Amazingly, children were also able to recognize Jesus. Kids are often placed in grown-up situations where they do not understand everything that is happening, but they were certainly present while He was busy teaching the adults around Him (Matthew 18:1-2). Evidently, these children understood much of what was being said! After He had cast the money changers out of the temple, children began to praise Him: “Hosanna to the Son of David (Matt. 21:15)!” The priests and scribes were angered at what the children were saying, but Jesus responded with a startling quotation of Psalm 8:2: “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise!” How ironic that these little ones could see what some of the most learned men in Israel could not!

Jesus was evidently concerned that even children understood His teaching. How simple and plain was the preaching of Jesus? Read His “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7) sometime and count the number of words that exceed two or three syllables. He used simple words and illustrations to communicate deep and profound spiritual truths to people. And evidently, even the youngest of His listeners got the point! Today’s young children even sing a song about the wise man who built his house upon the rock (Matt. 7:24-27).

Our society devalues kids and treats them as nuisances to be avoided instead of resources to be cherished. As Christians, let’s make sure that we are viewing children the way Jesus did.

Jesus thought children were important enough to teach. How much better would American homes and families be if parents would discuss spiritual things with their kids? Children are honest and intelligent, and they can recognize Jesus when they see Him. Let’s be sure He’s seen living in us. And may we all become as innocent as little children, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

— John Baker

“Come Before Winter”

 If God wills, this year will consist of 12 months / 52 weeks / 365 days.

How will you use that time?

Have you given it any thought?

Fact is, not many things can be done at one time. Some things simply have to come first. The turn of a new year is time to evaluate our priorities and put first things first. Jesus said, “do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life (John 6:27).” How we need to put our emphasis where it belongs!

From the depths of a Roman prison Paul wrote to Timothy, his beloved friend and brother in Christ: “Do your best to come before winter (2 Timothy 4:21).” Paul knew that in the winter, the Mediterranean sea trade all but ceased. Ships would anchor in a safe harbor so as to avoid the violent storms that plagued the Mediterranean during the winter months. If Timothy was going to make the voyage from Ephesus to Rome, it would have to be before the ships stopped sailing.

There was an understandable sense of urgency in Paul’s writing. Nero, a psychotic man who tended to blame Christians for Rome’s problems, was on the throne. Paul himself knew that his death sentence was imminent, “the time of my departure is at hand (2 Timothy 4:6).” Timothy needed to drop everything and get to Rome as fast as possible.

Some things have to be done before winter or not at all.

What will you do with 2002? What will you accomplish before winter?

I will teach someone about Jesus — One of the saddest and most poignant songs in our songbook echoes the following refrain, “When in the better land before the bar we stand, how deeply grieved our souls will be; if any lost one there should cry in deep despair, ‘You never mentioned Him to me.’” Indeed, how grievous it is for Christians to remain silent about the One who has redeemed us (cf. Matt 10:32-33). Souls are passing into eternity daily. Shall we remain silent?

I will increase my giving — God blesses us with everything we have (James 1:17), and yet we may often try to rob God by giving Him the “leftovers” (read Malachi 1:6-9). There is no better time than the present to purpose in our hearts what we will give to God this year (cf. 1 Cor 16:1-2). God gives us more so that we may use more in His service! Are we responding according to His will (cf. Luke 12:42-48)?

I will grow in my relationship with God — Want to be closer to the Lord? Study His word (2 Tim 2:15). Want the fullness of joy and peace in your life? Pray and give thanks unceasingly (Phil 4:6-7). In Christ we find the ability and the strength to live as we ought (Phil 4:13). How much of 2002 will you seriously devote to knowing God better? Will He be pleased with your efforts?

Each day we’re living on time that is not guaranteed. Where are your priorities? What will you accomplish before winter?                                                                                     — John Baker

On Eagles’ Wings

“They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall soar with wings like eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Sometimes life seems like it’s soaring like an eagle. We’re on top of the world with our cares and worries far below. At other times, life seems to slow to an interminable crawl. Our trials are ever-present, and as the days and weeks drag by, we may even begin to doubt and wonder whether God knows and cares.

Isaiah 40:31 is a magnificent passage about waiting on God. We don’t like to wait for much these days. Instant coffee, microwave dinners, and fast food are signs of the times. Too, in their spiritual development many have tried to take “short-cuts” to a closer relationship with God. We look for things that give us a “feeling” or “sense” of God’s presence, when really many of us should be looking for integrity and loving obedience in our own lives. Much as our society would like to think otherwise, there is no short-cut to heaven!

Gold ore doesn’t go directly from the mine into your wedding ring. A refining and purifying process must first take place. When gold is heated to very high temperatures, the impurities, called dross, are separated and removed. What is left is pure, precious, and valuable to its owner. So too must our lives sometimes face the furnace of affliction as we grow into godliness. Job spoke of his affliction this way: “When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).

Sometimes we can soar with the eagles — Jesus was well-liked and popular throughout some of His ministry. Significantly, both He and His disciples were invited to a seemingly important wedding at Cana (John 2:1-2). At this stage of His popularity, nothing Jesus did seemed to turn people off. Multitudes heard Him gladly and His disciples were growing in faith (Mark 1:29-34). Just as Isaiah had preached, the Savior was soaring. God, through His providence, allows all those who wait on Him to soar like that from time to time. Our ministries are producing fruit, our relationships are healthy, and it seems there is no problem that we and God together can’t handle. May God bless more of us with times like that!

Sometimes we must run with endurance — “And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray” (Mark 6:46). Jesus faced very trying and busy times in His ministry as well. After a while, the crowds that were such a blessing at first began to wear on the Lord. He desperately needed to pause and reassess His priorities, so He withdrew from the busyness of His life to spend time with His Father. Even the eagles can only soar so long before they must return to earth for refreshment and renewed energy. When the busy routine of life has us running here and there in a frantic search for meaning, will we have the wisdom to seek what’s valuable? The secret to Jesus’ energy and endurance was His relationship with God (Phil. 4:13).

Sometimes we must walk with humility — “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more” (John 6:66). Jesus’ words eventually became repulsive to many. He must have been tempted to call the disciples back, but instead He merely asked if the apostles would depart as well. When waiting on God requires our lives to slow to a walk, will we have the humility to walk hand in hand with Him? God has many ways of helping us grow. May He grant us the wisdom to be patient as He continually refines and purifies us for His service! — JB

Faith When We’re Hurting

Stress. Pain. Anguish. Grief. The Christian experiences all of these emotions from time to time. How should our faith respond? Psalm 119:73-80 deals with our attitude toward affliction in light of the richness of God’s word. Notice the following:

God gives life meaning (v.73) — “Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments.” Not only has God created us, but His word enlightens us to our true purpose. Truly, that which honors God dignifies man! When our lives seem meaningless, God’s commandments restore us to the beauty of His vision for us.

God’s word draws the faithful closer (v.74) — “Those who fear You will be glad when they see me, because I have hoped in Your word.” The Psalmist knows that vibrant and healthy relationships with others are founded on a mutual hope in God’s promises. Indeed, we are, “part of the family… whose love knows no end!” Thank God for faithful brethren!

God always does what’s right (v.75) — “I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.” Whatever afflictions we endure, we have assurance that God does what’s right. Even when we don’t understand all the “why’s” of our heartache, we can confidently sing with the Psalmist, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word” (Psalm 119:67).

God remembers His promises (v.76) — “Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Your word to Your servant.” Suffering people often think God is asleep (cf. Psalm 44:23). He is, however, a God who never sleeps nor slumbers (Psalm 121:4). What rich blessings await those who wait on Him (cf. Isa. 40:31)!

God’s faithful delight in His word (v.77) — God’s law is the delight of those who love Him (cf. Psalm 119:103). How do you feel about the word of God? It can make a tremendous difference in your outlook on life. Countless Christians are steeped in worry and misery because they have forgotten the untold joy found only in the Bible! The Psalmist says, “Let Your tender mercies come to me that I may live, for Your law is my delight!”

God will right all wrongs (v.78) — “Let the proud be ashamed, for they treated me wrongfully with falsehood; but I will meditate on Your precepts.” Verses 76 through 80 of Psalm 119 all begin with the word, “let.” Instead of seeking vengeance himself, the Psalmist has resigned himself to trust in God’s power and mercy. What a wise decision!

God will strengthen His people (v.79) — “Let those who fear You turn to me, those who know Your testimonies.” How refreshing that we don’t have to face the struggles of life alone! God’s strength is seen not only in His word, but in people who believe and obey that word. One of the church’s great strengths is that God works through us to accomplish His will (Phil. 2:13).

God will help us be faithful (v.80) — “Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes, that I may not be ashamed.” God, through His providence, can bring us blessings (cf. James 1:17), and affliction (cf. Heb. 12:5-6). However, even in the chastening of the Lord there are blessings to be found! The next time we face heartache, let’s remember the Psalmist’s desire to be faithful in the midst of suffering. – John Baker

My “Top Ten” Favorite Bible Verses

As one who enjoys studying the Bible, I have come across several verses that have special meaning to me over the years. This list is presented to stimulate you, the reader, to think about which verses from God’s word would make your own “Top Ten” list:

#10 — 1 Samuel 16:7 — “…The Lord does not see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” I believe that life’s great challenge is to learn to see everything from God’s perspective. When we begin to do so, fame, beauty, wealth, and success pale in comparison to what God deems important.

#9 — Nehemiah 13:31 — “Remember me, O my God, for good.” Nehemiah was a man of prayer, and this may have been his greatest prayer of all. What better epitaph for any Christian’s tombstone than this verse?

#8 — Romans 8:18 — “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Whatever we suffer in this life is ultimately temporary and fleeting. What a joy to contemplate the greatness of the glory that will one day be revealed in us!

#7 — Proverbs 18:22 — “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.” I wish every husband in the world would memorize this verse. It would surely revolutionize the way we think about, speak to, and treat our wives on a daily basis.

#6 — Psalm 127:1 — “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it…” This verse applies to any number of situations, but it is usually quoted in relation to the Christian home. In a day when our homes are under constant attack, wouldn’t it be wonderful if more of us could emphasize true family values?

#5 — Romans 11:33 — “Oh, the depth and the riches of both the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” Most among us do not spend enough time pondering the greatness of God. When we do, we (like Paul) are left in awe of Him.

#4 — John 3:30 — “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John the Baptizer had it right: magnify Christ and everything else will find its proper place. This life is not about gaining glory for yourself. It is about exalting Jesus as our Creator, Redeemer, and Lord.

#3 — 2 Corinthians 8:9 — “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” The King of Kings left His heavenly throne to come to this sin-sick world and die. Why did He do it? So that you and I could become rich — joint heirs with Him!

#2 — Psalm 37:4 — “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” What a marvelous adventure and challenge it is to pursue God as the Source of all our joy and desire. This verse challenges us to never settle for the fleeting pleasures and delights of this world, but rather to pursue the supreme joy that is to be found in God Himself.

#1 — Philippians 1:21 — “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Not only does Christianity teach us to live well, it teaches us how to die well. A life bound up in Christ is a life that can look toward death as true gain: “To depart and be with Christ is far better” (v.23). —JB

Practical Helps for Prayer

Prayer is a lot like spiritual breathing — our souls suffocate without it. However, in the experience of many people, effective prayer seems to be lacking. Some Christians fall into a pattern of foxhole prayer: we turn to God and pray only when the bullets of the enemy are whizzing over our heads and there seems to be no other escape. Other patterns of prayer includemealtime prayer: we might pray before eating, but rarely, if ever, at any other time. Some are guilty of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) prayer: we begin to speak to God, but our mind wanders and distractions pull us away. Pillow prayer refers to people who try to pray while they’re falling asleep — they never seem to finish their sentences. Finally, guilt-induced prayer refers to those who realize a deficit in their prayer lives and suddenly try to make up for their guilty feelings by attempting to pray for hours at a time. Guilt-induced prayer is usually sporadic and short-lived.

Realizing that most people find themselves in one or more of these patterns at times, what are some practical ways in which our prayer lives could be improved?

Pray about what you are truly interested in or concerned about — Scripture tells us that God wants to hear our thoughts, cares, desires, and ambitions (Phil. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:7). It is great to pray for missionaries and brethren in far-away places, but it is just as important to mention the hopes and struggles found in the daily events of our own lives (Lk. 18:1-8). We must also realize that our interests will inevitably become much more attuned to God’s purposes as our knowledge of Scripture increases. Thus, our prayer lives will be enhanced when we make God’s interests our interests (Ps. 37:4; 40:8).

When your mind wanders, speak to God about it — Let’s be clear: the devil doesn’t want you to pray (1 Pet. 5:8). You can expect that when you attempt to pray there will be distractions, and often your mind will wander. Instead of looking at a wandering mind as some kind of failure, would it not be better to speak to God about whatever your mind keeps wandering back to? If you have trouble concentrating, speak to God about that! If you sometimes fall asleep while praying, speak to God about that, too! Everyone’s mind wanders at times — that is just reality. The worst thing we could do is to allow an occasional lack of concentration to become an excuse to stop praying altogether.

Study the prayers of the Bible — Scripture is filled with prayers. The book of Psalms, for example, seems to have a prayer for every occasion and situation. The Bible contains prayers of penitence (Ps. 51; Neh. 9; Dan. 9), prayers of hope (Jn. 17; Acts 4:23-31; Col. 1:9-14), prayers for Divine intervention (1 Kings 18:36-37; Neh. 1:4-11), and prayers of thanksgiving (Ps. 107; Lk. 10:21-22). Jesus even gave His followers a model prayer (Matt. 6:9-13). Our prayers will improve when we study the prayers recorded for us in Scripture.

When you don’t know what to pray, pray A-C-T-S — There are always times when it seems we just don’t know how to get started praying. The acronym A-C-T-S has been used by many Christians to remember four topics about which we should pray: Adoration (telling God how much He means to us), Confession (mentioning sin specifically; saying the same thing about our sins that God already knows to be true), Thanksgiving (counting your blessings and thanking God for them specifically), Supplication (explaining a need or desire and asking God to supply it).

Prayer does not just “flow” out of a spiritual person. It takes work and discipline (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24-27). However, the blessings of prayer far outweigh the cost involved! —JB

Jesus Christ — Man of Logic

Jesus Christ used unfailing logic in everything He ever did. Consider the time He went to Matthew’s house to eat: people despised Matthew and his tax-collector friends because of their corrupt ways (Mark 2:15-16). On the other hand, people exalted the well-thought-of Pharisees and scribes because of their religious knowledge and zeal. Why would Jesus eat with sinners and tax-collectors instead of the “more religious” scribes and Pharisees? Why would the Messiah of God want to associate with sinners? These were the questions they asked Jesus.

Jesus’ answer demonstrates His logic: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Mark 2:17).

Jesus’ point? He did not come to this earth to have a party with those who thought of themselves as righteous; rather, He came to bring the light of God’s salvation to those who think of themselves as sinners. Only sick people go to the doctor, and only those who find themselves spiritually bankrupt see the need for Jesus. Unfailing logic.

Since Jesus is a Man of Logic, let us consider some questions that He might ask us today:

How logical is it to spend your life pursuing riches, seeing that your soul is your only eternal possession? (Mark 8:36-37; 1 Tim. 6:6-8)

How logical is it to delay obeying God’s word, since the future is uncertain? (Acts 24:25; 2 Cor. 6:1-2; James 4:13-15; Psalm 90:10-12)

What is there in your life that is so important that you would be repeatedly absent from the assembly of the saints? (Matt. 6:33; Heb. 10:25)

If you really believe in Me, why don’t you pray with your family? (1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Pet. 5:7)

How logical is it to send your hard-earned money to a missionary in a far-away country while you won’t cross the street to save a soul yourself? (Matt. 28:18- 20; Rom. 1:16)

How could you harbor racial prejudice in your heart and still call yourself a Christian? (Acts 10:34; Gal. 3:28)

What is there in your schedule that is more important than training your kids in the ways of the Lord? (Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4)

Why would a man continually live for himself throughout the week and then expect to be right with the Lord on Sunday? (Matt. 22:36-37; 1 Cor. 10:31; Matt. 6:24)

How logical is it to be bitter and angry at someone else, seeing that God Himself forgives us and shows us mercy? (Heb. 8:12; Matt. 6:12ff)

Why do you always insist on having your way, considering that Jesus Himself yielded His will to the Father? (Phil. 2:5-11)

If you eat three times a day, why would you assume it’s O.K. to feast on My word only two or three times a week? (Matt. 4:4; Job 23:12; Psalm 119:103)

How logical is it to hear the word of God and fail to do it? (James 1:22-26) —JB

Profiles in Courage

In 1955 a young Senator named John F. Kennedy wrote a book about several historical people who had acted with integrity and courage in politics. The book, which later won the Pulitzer Prize, was entitled, “Profiles in Courage.” Perhaps we also would do well to examine some Bible characters who acted courageously.

Caleb and Joshua — When twelve spies were sent to the land of promise, ten came back with a negative report (Num. 13:27-30). Caleb and Joshua showed remarkable courage in standing for their convictions: “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” (Num. 13:30). This faithful and optimistic stand nearly cost them their lives (Num. 14:10).

Esther — Whoever appeared before the Persian king uninvited faced almost certain death (Esther 4:11). When God’s people encountered a terrible plot against them, Queen Esther found herself in a position to save her countrymen. She risked her life by going to see the king: “So I will go to the king, which is against the law, and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).

Nehemiah — Has there ever been, save for the Lord Himself, a wiser leader than Nehemiah? His focus on the task of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem was remarkable, to say the least. Nehemiah was invited by his enemies to come meet them for a, “summit meeting.” His reply: “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down” (Neh. 6:3). Do we view the Lord’s work as a great one?

Jeremiah — One of the most courageous preachers in the Bible refused to compromise truth for anybody — even the king himself! When Zedekiah pulled Jeremiah out of a dungeon and asked him, “is there any word from the Lord?” (Jer. 37:17), Jeremiah’s bold response was, “You shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon!” Where are the Christians who will speak the truth so courageously today?

Jesus Christ — The life of Jesus is itself a profile in courage and integrity, but one particular incident stands out in this writer’s mind. Jesus had nearly been stoned for preaching God’s word (John 10:31), and when Lazarus died, He determined to go right back to where His life had been at risk. Thomas, one of the twelve, bleakly declared: “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (John 11:16).

Steven — Steven was accused of blasphemy and called before the Jewish authorities in the temple (Acts 6:12-14). He then proceeded to preach exactly the sermon that the Jews needed to hear on that occasion — a sermon about rebellion against God Himself! At the conclusion, his audience responded by killing him (Acts 7:54-60).

Barnabas — Barnabas was an encourager, but in order to encourage, one must first have courage! Barnabas is the disciple who took the newly converted Saul of Tarsus and introduced him as a brother in Christ (Acts 9:26-27). Barnabas staked his very reputation on the power of the Gospel to convert a man like Saul! What faith he displayed!

Antipas — In Revelation 2:13 we read of a saint named Antipas who was, “killed among you, where Satan dwells.” Though this is all we know about Antipas, his courage must have been something to behold. Oh, how it should strengthen our faith to know that Christians believed in the Lord so strongly that they were willing to be faithful until death! — JB