Acts 14:1-3. "In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks. But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren. Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands."
"Discretion is the better part of valor." "You have to know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em." Whether it's standing against an angry enemy or playing out a hand in poker, how do you know when to fight and when to flee?
The apostle faced fierce opposition in Iconium, but God directed him to remain there to strengthen the young Christians. Only after they were nearly stoned to death, did he and Barnabas leave the city.
I recall a dilemma that occurred 22 years ago, yet still evokes a fresh rush of emotions. It was a cool spring morning in Moscow, Russia The year was 1992, just a matter of months since the Soviet Union had dissolved. My friend, Dave, and I were near the back of a crowd of 25 or so, standing in front of Lenin's tomb, waiting to see the changing of the guard. It was a holiday honoring the border guards, and loud, drunken soldiers, fresh from the conflict with Afghanistan could be seen throughout Red Square. A handful of them stood a few feet in front of us.
Behind us I heard a young woman's clear, bold voice. She held an open Bible and, with the smattering of Russian I had picked up, I knew she was preaching about Jesus. A young man stood beside her, silently praying. You can imagine the response of the soldiers. In an instant their demeanor switched from humor to mocking, then to rage. As they turned and started towards her, Dave and I glanced at each other and we immediately closed ranks, blocking the soldiers' advance. At once the sensible part of me objected loudly to that response, but I stood my ground as the angry men vented their frustration towards us. They finally tired of the situation and stumbled away. By now the crowd had grown to about 100, and the young lady kept right on preaching. Dave and I blessed her and stepped away, amazed at how God had orchestrated such an opportunity for His Word to be heard at the tomb of a renowned atheist.
So what's the answer to the question? How do you know when to stand firm and when to throw in the towel? As I read through Acts, a couple of things stand out whenever the apostles found themselves in conflict over the Gospel. First, Peter and John said, "We must obey God rather than man." Second, the early Christians depended on the direction and protection of the Holy Spirit. These timeless principles still ring true today.
Today the contrast between God's Word and the world's "wisdom" is becoming more and more obvious. Society flaunts its immoral behavior and anyone who chooses to object becomes an instant target of ridicule and persecution. So what do we do? Fight or flee? Stand firm or fade away?
Dear Lord, thank You for clearly delineating what is right and what is wrong. Thank You for empowering me with Your Holy Spirit. I pray for wisdom, discernment, courage, and protection as I put on my spiritual armor and engage the enemy today. Amen.
