Don't be Moved

Strength to Resist

On December 1, 1955 in Montgomery Alabama, Rosa Parks refused to obey bus driver James Blake's order that she give up her seat to make room for a white passenger. She wasn't the first to resist the wrongful acts of prejudice levied against people of color in the south. Irene Morgan in 1946, and Sarah Louise Keys in 1955 won rulings before the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Interstate Commerce Commission, respectively as it relates to interstate bus travel. As little as nine months earlier, fifteen year old Claudette Colvin refused the same request on the same bus system. These brave women did what they knew was right in spite of the request of authorities. In order to reveal truth and open the door to justice there has to be a resistance to the forces that appear to be in power. The Kingdom of God has suffered the violence of resistance from the days of John the Baptist even until now (Matt. 11:12). Christ said, "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth no with me scattereth abroad (Matt. 12:30). If we don't choose sides one will be chosen for us.

Motivated by Truth

Acts Chapter five tell of the struggles of Peter and the other Apostles. They were imprisoned and under constant threat by the religious council. Despite their resistance they continued to spread the gospel and teach that Jesus is Lord of all. Saints motivated by truth will not look for diplomatic ways to approach a dying world. We must choose the unconventional approach of open resistance to evil. Righteous living will cause us to stand out in a crowd. What will we say when asked to move? Will we give in to the request for our consent to sin? Will we deny our faith for the sake of feeling comfortable amongst the unsaved? There will be no diplomatic exchange at the return of Christ. Christ will return in power and with great glory (Matt. 24:30). Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord(1Cor 15:58). Evangelism is not a pointless act. It is the work of Christ. He came to save the lost and to call them to repentance. Don't be afraid to speak on His behalf.