A Nugget from New Life Network

Scripture for the Day – September 2, 2019

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, (Acts 4:29)

We live in a very fast paced technological world where news from around the world can be received within minutes and hours of an event happening. It was not always that way. I can remember a time in my own life that we did not have computers, iPads, cell phones, internet, or even televisions.

With the severely reduced lag time between when a news event happens, and when it is reported c,omes good news and bad news. It’s good that we know quicker what’s going on (if it’s the truth). However, usually the first reports, even by eye witnesses, have been historically shown to be very unreliable. It usually takes time and investigation to disclose the real truth. That is why our entire legal system is based on the time honored tradition that any person accused of a crime is considered innocent until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

Truth is usually not very attractive. It’s just truth, and as such it’s usually not very glamorous or exciting. On the other hand, a lie is usually dressed up to look very appealing and very exciting. There is a real danger in making quick judgments without knowing the whole truth. It can make a great news story but it can also lead to dangerous results like ruining reputations or creating civil unrest.

The question is, how does a man or woman of God supposed to respond to a lie against themselves? Some would say you should just stay quiet and let your actions speak for themselves. And then others would say we should go on the offense and attack the lie. What does the Bible have to say about this matter?

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 54:17)

The Hebrew word used for formed in this verse is – yatsar – which means to Press, to form, to frame, to mould into shape. This is a great picture of how our present day Media or Press operates in reporting news which can be good or bad.

The Hebrew word for condemn in this verse is – rasha – which means to do or Declare wrong, to disturb or violate, to make trouble.

Listen to a couple of the other Bible translations of Isaiah 54:17:

“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. (NIV)

So no weapon ·that is used [forged] against you will ·defeat you [succeed]. You will ·show that those who speak against you are wrong [refute every accusation against you; [refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment]. These are the ·good things [heritage] my servants receive. Their ·victory [vindication; righteousness] comes from me,” says
the Lord. (EXB)

Sounds to me like God wants us to stand and refute the lies. Of course, this will cause a disturbance and make trouble. On the other hand, you could just stay quiet and let people believe the lies. Maybe we have been quiet too long. Maybe that is why we are so uncomfortable with a person that does stand up against the lies.

 

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