Take A Stand

We are witnessing an amazing feat of power. A very small group of people have disturbed and in some cases shut down the entire rail transportation system in Eastern Canada and in some parts of Western Canada. This has caused undue hardship for millions of people, economic chaos for the country, and turmoil in the highest circle of government. How did they do it? Not with guns, not with a groundswell of popular opinion, nor with large sums of money; no, they did it simply by taking a stand.

Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs called out to those who supported their cause to set up and take their stand and block rail traffic in various and strategic locations across Canada.

Have you ever stood in front of a locomotive?

It is massive, powerful and intimidating. Yet it is no match to someone taking a stand.  This reminds me of the passage in scripture in Ephesians where it says, “when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14  Stand firm then… (Ephesians 6:13-14) The context of this advice is in the light of great evil, great opposition, great turmoil - take a stand. Victorious Living (our present sermon series) is not about living a life of ease, but one of character, strength and the ability to take a stand against injustice, lies of the devil, corruption, evil, degradation of human life, in short – sin. A variant of a popular phrase quoted throughout the ages is apropos. For Evil To Prevail, It Is only Necessary That Good Men Do Nothing. Jesus had some strong words for the church at Thyatira in the second chapter of Revelation. First, he commends them for their good deeds, their love and faith, their service and perseverance, and that they are now doing more than they did at first. (Revelation 2:19) That is pretty good commendation. But then he lays down the hammer. He went on to say, “Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.” (Revelation 2:20) Notice the word “tolerate”. These Christians were great on so many levels, (just like most of the Christian Church today) but they tolerated something that brought evil and destruction into the lives of others. Is that not what we do? We tolerate. We accommodate. We acquiescence (the reluctant acceptance of something without protest). God wants us to take a stand. Victorious Living requires us to take a stand. It may be daunting like a great big locomotive that comes barreling down the tracks threatening to obliterate us. Yet, when we take a stand, God comes to fight for us. Take a stand in your marriage. Take a stand for truth. Take a stand for your faith at your jobsite. Take a stand for Jesus and experience the exhilaration of living victoriously.

This week we will share how to “take a stand” in light of great opposition, when it seems impossible to do so. This Sunday, we will offer another step to take in experiencing Victorious Living. Look forward to seeing you there. Bring a friend and let us fill the house.

Jim Reimer, Pastor

February 20, 2020