November 20: UNPOPULAR TRUTH

Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10:11

One of the many endearing aspects of the written Word is the faithful reporting of the failings of men, including—and especially!—God’s professed people. This peculiar aspect of Scripture provides just one of the many positive proofs that the Bible is not propaganda . . .  far from it! Believers come to understand that it is both wise and profitable to learn from the mistakes of the past, and this is exactly why the inspiration of the Holy Spirit included them. A little closer to home (which involves a look in the mirror), I must learn from my own failings. Jesus graciously draws me toward Himself, forgiving my failings. And I must remember His words to the man He healed who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years:

Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you.” John 5:14 (NIV)

The heroes in the scriptures became examples for us to follow precisely because of their willingness to leave behind erroneous ways, living lives of loyalty to the LORD by honoring His Word and by proclaiming it boldly. Of course, this was not popular. And neither will it be today. Nothing has changed in that respect.

Multitudes who are too unbelieving to accept the sure word of prophecy (2 Peter 1:19) will receive with unquestioning credulity an accusation against those who dare to reprove fashionable sins. This spirit will increase more and more. The Bible plainly teaches that a time is approaching when the laws of the state will so conflict with the law of God that whosoever would obey all the divine precepts must brave reproach and punishment as an evildoer.  THE GREAT CONTROVERSY by Ellen G White (page 459)

In these last days, as in the past, the great hindrance to the acceptance and declaration of God’s truth is the fact that it involves inconvenience and reproach. But true followers of the LORD will not be deterred. Beloved, do not wait for truth to become popular. It never will! Stay in the Word. Trust and obey. Let us pray for and encourage one another. Paul reminds us:

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”  2 Corinthians 4:17

And regarding Moses:

“…esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward.”  Hebrews 11:26