Not Intimidated!

In Deuteronomy, before Moses presented a second giving of God’s Law, he summarized some of the challenges that had been faced in the journey from Egypt toward the promised land. In that summary, not only did he remind the people of the lack of faith in God that produced an unwillingness to enter the land (1:19- 2:15) and noted some of the victories God had brought (2:26- 3:22), Moses also addressed the burden of leadership that had been upon him. (1:9-12) He reminded of the appointment of others to help in judging cases between the people, including the exhortation he had given those involved in this discernment of what was right.

We read…
“(17) You shall not be partial in judgment. You shall hear the small and the great alike. YOU SHALL NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY ANYONE, FOR THE JUDGMENT IS GOD’S. And the case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.’” ( Deuteronomy 1:17 ESV)

These assisting Moses were not involved in making random decisions, but those judgments were to be based on the commands of God. Resting on the foundation of God’s consistent will and wisdom, they were TO STAND FIRM, not being “intimidated by anyone.”

Intimidation! Have we experienced it? Intimidation can cause one to be fearful, to question, be unsure, waver, and perhaps back down. However, when something is right and true the STANDING NEEDS TO BE FIRM.

Though we have not been called to serve in the same capacity as these who were over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens ( Deuteronomy 1:15), we still have the truth of God in and on which we are TO FIRMLY STAND. In so doing we need to help others come to understand our standing is not based on our own preferences, but on what God has clearly revealed. Though some will try to get us to back down and even silence us, why should we be intimidated when we know what is right and true?

We are involved in a spiritual warfare. Truth is continually under attack. There are those who are out to suppress it. ( Romans 1:18) They seek to intimidate us with the hope we will back down and be silent. Let us remember it is not our message, but God’s that we are to uphold.

In view of this battle, Paul exhorted those at Ephesus…
“(13) Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND FIRM. (14) STAND therefore, HAVING FASTENED ON THE BELT OF TRUTH, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,” ( Ephesians 6:13-14 ESV)

As a belt, it is the truth that holds everything up and in place. With the truth of God around us, we should be encouraged to STAND FIRM.

In Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth, he urged…
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, BE STEADFAST, IMMOVABLE, always ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” ( 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV)

May we seek to do the same as we hold out the message of hope God has entrusted to us to share. We may at times be accused of judging, however, it is God who has already stated the judgment in His Word. That judgment needs to be acknowledged and appreciated before His judgment is ultimately faced. ( Hebrews 9:27) Therefore, knowing that God is right, let us not be shaken.

Have a great day THANKFUL FOR SOLID TRUTH ON WHICH TO STAND!
Carl

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