Making a Choice

I recently read the report of a missionary in a predominantly Muslim country.

He was arrested for sharing the Gospel and converting Muslims to Christianity.  Despite the consequences, this missionary refused to stop sharing the Gospel, and even converted men in the prison with him.  Within a few days of the the trial and subsequent release, he was once again on the front lines, telling Muslims about Jesus Christ.

He stood up for the truth no matter the consequences.

That's a man I respect.  Too often, we back down when sharing Jesus is too hard.  We give in and compromise when the truth leads to conflict and dissension.  We soften our stance to be accepted by our culture at large.

But the truth is the Gospel offends people.  The truth of Jesus divides families, friends and even countries and governments.  We have to have the boldness to stand up for the truth, even if it cost us our lives.

John the Baptist did just that.  When faced with confronting sin with the truth or giving in for the sake of society, John chose to confront Herod about his adulterous relationship.  It landed him in prison.

Similarly, Herod was put in a similar predicament.  Knowing John didn't deserve prison or death, he faced a crisis. He made a rash oath to grant a request.  The request was for the life of John the Baptist.  Facing scrutiny and even ridicule, Herod gave in to the request, and refused to stand up for the truth.

John the Baptist, the herald of the Messiah, died for standing up to the sin of Herod, who was too cowardly to do the right thing.

We face the same situation today.  We can stand up for the truth - enduring consequences for doing so - or we can give in to society and allow sin to run rampant.  We will all be accountable for our choice.  So you have to decide will I be like John or Herod?

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