January 26, 2023
He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. Matthew 12:30, Luke 11:23
No neutral ground. Neutrality and compromise are the tools of that old serpent, a subtle ploy to lead people away from God. It always seems harmless at first. The deceiver even makes it appear beneficial. But, beloved, you can be sure that the destination to which it leads is not where you want to go. Through the drawing power of God’s love, He is reclaiming territory—our minds!—from the enemy. But His mission requires our full cooperation!
The spirit of compromise weaves peer pressure, procrastination, and half-heartedness to make a fabric of hesitancy. Oh, how hesitant people are to speak or do differently from what “everyone else” is doing! Many do not know for sure which way they would move if suddenly met with the need to make a moral or spiritual decision on the spot. But it is necessary to decide now. Hesitation is potentially deadly.
Pilate found no fault with Jesus and was almost persuaded to take a stand for Him, referring to Him as a “just person.” God even tried to reach Pilate through his wife who pleaded with him regarding this just Man. But it seems that Pilate was more concerned about the attitude of the crowd. He even performed a ‘ceremonial washing’ of his hands, declaring his own innocence before the crowd, as if that would clear him from the guilt of ordering the maltreatment and crucifixion of Jesus. (see Matthew 27:24,26)
Felix hesitated. He had listened to Paul concerning the faith in Christ (Acts 24:24) and, tragically, the closest he came to faith was to say, “Go away for now, when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” (v.25)
Paul subsequently stood before King Agrippa who said, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” (26:28)
The prophecy of Daniel for our day, called the time of the end, referred to rapid advancements in technology and modes of travel, and also to the incredible accessibility of the Bible: But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase. (Daniel 12:4) These last days afford us great knowledge of God’s word indeed! Any topic or question can be easily researched. It is a blessing to all who seek after God, but a curse to those who would rather plead ignorance (see Acts 17:30).
For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 2 Peter 2:21