By Reverend Clarence William Page
Courage, faith and resiliency were three of the distinguishing characteristics of the 1st Century Christians. They trusted God for everything. They were so convinced that Jesus is the Christ that they were willing to give their all, even their lives, for the cause of Christ. Many perished as Rome struck out in scornful fury. Many powerful Romans were determined to crush Christianity; however, the descendents of the would-be conquerors became subjects of their ancestors' prey.
Christians would do well to open their eyes and see what great things God has done since the year 33 A.D. For nearly 2000 years God has demonstrated His love of, and care for, Christians and the Christian church. No year has passed in which Christ did not have a witness. No force on Earth nor in Hell has been able to stop the forward movement of the Church. Though many have tried, no one has been able to permanently prevail against the Christian church.
In a real sense, it is insane to fight against the Christian church. One who fights against the Church (not the organization) is fighting against God. No one ever won a fight against God. It is senseless to try. To fight against God is the epitome of folly. As a matter of fact, it is such an irrational act that it causes God to laugh. Fighting against the righteousness of true Christians is tantamount to fighting against God. Psalm 2:2-4 says, "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their cords from us". "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall have them in derision". The author of Psalm 37:12-13 declares, "The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnaseth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming."
One would be very wise to harbor abundant respect for Almighty God. In Job Chapters 40 and 41, behemoth and leviathan are used as parabolic reminders of the power of God. Job 41:10 boldly affirms that, "None is so fierce that dare to stir him up: Who then is able to stand before me?" Verses 27-29 further inform us about the greatness of God. We are told, "He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotton wood." "The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble." "Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear."
It is time for Christians to lay aside inordinate fear and boldly march forward. We must be Holy Bold. God will see us through. All the data we have been able to gather about God shows him as being totally and eternally triumphant. He snatches victory from the very jaws of defeat. He makes the weak victorious. The Gospel writers Matthew and Luke constantly quote Jesus as admonishing his followers to "fear not". Jesus knew that God is in control. This is a lesson that all Christians need to learn. With that realization, we will be better equiped to live up to the rich legacy left us by the saints of the ages. Our Godly courage will return, our faith will increase and we will be able to bounce back from the attacks of the enemy.
When we come to fully understand that God will laugh at those who fight against Him and His people, we will then be able to move forward boldly and declare with the psalmist, "Behold, they belch out with their mouth: Swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear." "But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision." "Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence." (Psalm 59:7-9).
Copyright © 1998 Clarence William Page.
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