Many have asked themselves this question pertaining to the life of an individual or even an entire nation.  This has been especially true since September 11, 2001, when Terrorists attacked the USA.  Many have said that a person needs to endure a “Bully” and take whatever they give. 

 

       In November, 1979 the U.S. Embassy in Iran was taken over and a number of American citizens were taken hostage.

 

     Concerning the Iran Embassy take-over and other similar situations, some have said, “Send in troops immediately.”  Others have said, “Let’s just play it cool and wait it out.”  Still others have declared, “The lives of a few hostages are not worth risking the lives of many military personnel who would probably be lost in regaining control of the embassy.”

 

     Looking into the Bible (Judges 19, 20) may shed some light upon just how far one should permit himself to be pushed.  In the preceding scriptures a group of sexual perverts took a man’s concubine and raped her repeatedly until she died.  The man took her corpse, cut it into twelve pieces, and sent one piece to each of the tribes of Israel.  This was done to draw their attention to the wickedness in this one city (I Samuel 11:7).

 

     As a result, the twelve tribes united and called for the execution of the sexual perverts who had committed the terrible crime (20:13).  But, protection was given to the sexual perverts.  Nevertheless, with a determination  for righteousness to stand and sin to be put to an end, Israel refused to be pushed.

 

     We discover that this unrighteous death of one woman caused  Israel to  go  to war costing them 22,000 men one day (20:21), 18,000 another day (20:25), and 30 on another occasion (20:31).  Still, because they “hung in there”, the enemy lost 25,000 troops (20:46)  and was completely   wiped out, except for 600 (20:47).  Israel was declared  the victor.

(Continued)

 

 

(Continued)

 

    You see, people can only stand to be pushed so far.  Whether it is the “bully on the block” or an atheistic government that keeps pushing you around, there comes a time of “showdown”.  History has taught us that there have always been those who will “push” as long as one refuses to “take a stand”.

 

     May each of us always be praying for our heavenly Father to help us to know just when to take a stand.  A person or a nation who is “spineless” is in constant misery.

 

    At this writing the USA awaits to see if the United States military will attack Iraq for their refusing to “get in line” with the rest of the world and avoid “weapons of mass destruction”.  The nation has had a great deal of warning by the USA and some others of the United Nations to permit unrestricted inspections concerning such, but to this they have consistently refused.

 

     “Bullies” have always been around and have gotten their way on many occasions.  The USA has been a peace maker throughout the world and has attempted to be patient with those who were unreasonable.  There has been division among our government heads as to what to do with Iraq.  The devil likes division.  He seeks to cause it in marriages, in governments, and even the Lord’s church.  Satan knows that if he causes division, weakness always results.  May our God have His way and see to it that the USA always be a nation that is not able to be divided.  All of us need to pray for our leaders on a regular daily basis.

 

Plainly, let’s not get caught short changed.  Let’s be ready to meet our Maker.  The Bible teaches in the book of Acts that to avoid hell and gain heaven - one must:   1) Believe In Jesus As Savior (16:31)  2) Repent Of Sins (17:30)  3) Confess Christ Audibly (8:37)   4) Be Baptized In Water (2:38)   5) Live A  Christian Life (14:22)    6) Be active in the church (2:47)

 

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