Taking Cover
Running from Your Enemies
by David Jeremiah

You may never have been falsely accused of a crime and wrongly pursued by those who seek to do you legal or physical harm, but that doesn't mean you haven't been a fugitive of some sort in your Christian experience.

Jesus said, "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake" (Matthew 10:22). For being a friend and follower of Jesus, you will be hounded by many in this world. Peter confirmed this when he wrote to Christian slaves (substitute "employees" today) that they would suffer for their "conscience toward God" (1 Peter 2:19). Honoring God by being a good employee can draw the ire of other employees.

David (Old Testament) and the Son of David (New Testament) were the most persecuted individuals in their eras. From them we can gain insight into the life of a fugitive.

David was guilty of no crime, yet Saul attacked and hunted him all over Israel like a "partridge in the mountains" (1 Samuel 26:20). Saul made 4 attempts on David's life, forcing him to flee into exile where he pursued him (1 Samuel 23-26).

In later years, David made some serious errors in judgment in his personal life. But in his journey to the throne, he had to deal with what we today might experience: unjust persecution at the hands of those that hate us.

How Should We Respond to Persecution?

1. With faith. When David was in the right, and he knew it, he believed God was on his side. He believed that Goliath was an ungodly intruder into the domain of God. David approached his conflict with Goliath "in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel" (1 Samuel 17:45). That is the equivalent of us praying today in the name of Jesus Christ (John 14:13). Conviction must be informed by faith-a knowledge of the ways and will of God. But when it is so informed, the shield of faith is a mighty defense (Ephesians 6:16).

2. With courage. David was not afraid of a fight, and neither should we be. Whether it was attacking a nine-foot giant with a sling and stone, killing a lion or bear (1 Samuel 17:34-37), or executing justice against a thankless, godless fool (1 Samuel 25), David was a courageous young man. Though combat had ceased by the time of the New Testament, we still see plenty of courage in the likes of Peter and John (Acts 4), Paul (Acts 23-26), and Jesus himself (John 2:12-25). We are required to live in a hard world at present, but we are not required to lie down and let it roll over us.

3. With fear. Like any human being, David occasionally expressed fear when he was being pursued. But there was Someone he feared more than he feared Saul or anyone else: the Lord God. David never lacked for courage or faith as a fugitive in the wilderness, but he knew he was on a leash with limits. He refused, for example, to take vengeance on Saul several times when he had the opportunity and the right to retaliate (1 Samuel 24:6). What he lacked was authority-permission from God. Just as Jesus didn't physically retaliate against those who hurt Him (1 Peter 2:21-23), so we should not either. Jesus, the New Testament Fugitive
While David provides food for thought in dealing with our enemies, Jesus' teaching exceeds all other examples: "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).

Regardless of who or what you are running from, let love conquer all. Have faith, but exercise it with love. Be courageous, but temper it with love. And fear the Lord because you love Him more than you love your own safety or reputation. Just as Jesus knew when to stand up to His oppressors and when to yield to the greater purposes of God, so the Holy Spirit will give you that same wisdom in the face of your enemies.

###
This article was excerpted from Turning Points, Dr. David Jeremiah's monthly devotional magazine. For a free copy of Turning Points, call 1-800-947-1993.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009