09/16/2025
1 Kings 18:17-21 NLT
When Ahab saw him, he exclaimed, "So, is it really you, you troublemaker of Israel?" [18] "I have made no trouble for Israel," Elijah replied. "You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the LORD and have worshiped the images of Baal instead. [19] Now summon all Israel to join me at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who are supported by Jezebel." [20] So Ahab summoned all the people of Israel and the prophets to Mount Carmel. [21] Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, "How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!" But the people were completely SILENT.
James 2:1-20,24 NLT
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? [2] For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. [3] If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"-well, [4] doesn't this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? [5] Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? [6] But you dishonor the poor! Isn't it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? [7] Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? [8] Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." [9] But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. [10] For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws. [11] For the same God who said, "You must not commit adultery," also said, "You must not murder." So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law. [12] So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. [13] There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. [14] What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? [15] Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, [16] and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well"-but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? [17] So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. [18] Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." But I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds." [19] You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. [20] How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless? [24] So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.
Throughout history, the Bible records divine and defining moments. We are living in such times currently, moments that define who we are as a nation and more importantly, who we are as God's people. Those of us who are God's people are kingdom people. We are people who's allegiance is not to a party nor a person. We advocate and advance God's kingdom. We understand that God's kingdom is not governed by the ways nor will of may. It is governed by the Word and wisdom of God. The Apostle James expresses it in this manner: James 3:17-18 NLT
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. [18] And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
We are in a season where silence speaks louder than words. Silence that is selective is sinful. Scripture makes it clear that our words are a reflection of the content of our hearts(Matthew 12:34, Luke 6:45).
June 14th, Melissa Hortman and her husband had their lives taken while in their home. There was no flag flying at half staff, no national outrage and mourning for the loss her children suffered. She was a devout Christian who served as a Sunday School teacher.
September 10th, one of another of many school shootings that have plagued our country, yet silence when it's our children's safety is at issue. We welcome debates about gang violence and black on black crime, but are silent about mass shootings.
September 15th, 1963 a bomb explodes during morning worship service at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. A bomb that took the lives of four young girls:Addie Mae Collins (14), Cynthia Wesley (14), Carole Robertson (14) and Carol Denise McNair (11). These and other such tragedies we called to silence and even counseled to "move on." Yet, as it relates to 9/11 we are told "never forget." Compassion must be administered consistently in order for it to be Godly. Contrary to popular belief, empathy is still a kingdom virtue.
Medgar Evers arrived home to his awaiting wife and children only to have his life taken by gunshot. He exited his car with t-shirts in his hand that read “Jim Crow Must Go." His wife and children found him lying on the doorstep with his children crying "daddy get up." In March of this year orders were given to erase his legacy as a U.S. serviceman from the Arlington National Cemetery archives. The constitution for which he fought, states that "all men are created equal."
The question Elijah asked of a nation who knew God, but who were not committed to follow him wholly, still echoes today; "How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him!
