Late to the Front

In the HBO series “Band of Brothers,” we see the men of Easy Company ostracize Pvt. David Webster as they felt he fell short in his support for them. He was wounded early in their European campaign and spent more time recuperating than they felt necessary for the severity of his wounds. Webster was one that never volunteered and was more of an observer than a comrade in arms. He had missed the most intense battles that had killed and wounded so many of Easy Company. He would never be fully accepted as one of them again. And today we are in a battle between good and evil and many are sitting on the sidelines. Afraid of repercussion. Unwilling to speak truth to ungodly power. Too concerned with the cares of life and everyday things of no actual consequence. Afraid of rejection.

I recently spoke to this with a person I know. The Lord had me tell them, “You’re late to the front.” This was not a disqualification or even a strong rebuke. I felt the Lord was just saying He’s aware of the timing in all of the turmoil going on in our world/country today and He sees the part we play in it. Throughout biblical history there were those who spoke His truth to that which was in error and those who either did nothing and were complicit, or participated in that which was wrong. In Luke 2 Jesus’ parents found that He was not walking with the caravan and his family. And when confronted by his mother He said’ “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Part of that was speaking truth no matter where He was and speaking to that which was contrary to the Word. Standing up for the marginalized. The poor. The weak. His reply to the Pharisees in Luke 10, as to who were His neighbors, caused a bit of a stir. Jesus did not raise His hand to those who wanted Him gone, but He always spoke truth and overturned a few tables. He gave no recognition to Herod. He spoke a strong warning in John 9:4 saying, “I must be about the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” This should cause everyone to evaluate where you are in standing for righteousness.

The early apostles stated they must do/say the works of the Lord. No matter what man said they could not do. We have many that stand against the evil and injustice we see and hear today but there are not enough. People get worn down. I hear some say they want to step away as they cannot deal with the backlash. We cannot do this. We must take up the armor of God so we can truly stand against this increasing evil. We are to open our mouths boldly and show who we are in Him. And we must be extremely careful with those who speak great swelling words as if they know Him when in essence, they have their own agenda. As the apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11, Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light so do not be surprised if his ministers transform themselves into ministers of righteousness. But fear not for He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. I’m not saying to use force or speak ungodly things to those who do wrong. But to speak His word. To stand fully encased in His armor. And praying always. The evil being released in His name has no beneficial purpose other than self. And no positive spiritual outcome. It leads only to death. Separation from the Father. Who are you in Him? Where do you make a stand? Do not be late to the front. Speak up! We cannot sit by as an observer. Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Test all things. Hold fast to that which is good. Hold fast to His word. Abstain from evil. Pray without ceasing. Blessings.