STRENGTH OF THE
OPPRESSED
INTRODUCTION
Strength of the oppressed is in recognition as to where the source originates; as we witness a withdrawal from the peaceful setting of previous years; to a evil noted in the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit; all of which God dealt total destruction.
In the case of Babylon a voice from heaven was heard, saying: Come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues (Revelation 18:4). What would be the admonishment today seeing that some in the church are partaking of what was warned against?
Strength of the Oppressed
through Recognition
The strength of the oppressed (at times by the hand of God) is in realizing why one is witnessing destructive measures being applied. Jeremiah, a prophet of God, revealed an appeal from God to the people of Judah: Thus saith the Lord, stand you in the ways and see and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls; but they said, we will not walk therein.
I set watchmen over you, saying, hearken to the sound of the trumpet, but they said we will not hearken (Jeremiah 6:16-17). It was noted that the people’s stubborn refusal to walk in the ways of righteousness was often mentioned by Jeremiah; moving in their own paths and following their own way would only lead to destruction. We are witnessing a similar pattern as once God-fearing nations, and individuals, have come to accept ungodly ways and are allowing them to flourish rather than being condemned.
Wicked Thoughts Remain
In another setting, as that of Judah previously mentioned, Jeremiah, a prophet of God, cried out: O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved, How long shall your vain (wicked) thoughts lodge with you (Jeremiah 4:14)? It was noted that such thinking today can arise from many sources by absorbing immoral movies and through television, carelessly surfing the Internet, listening to malicious talk, ignoring the Word of God, and giving into a materialistic worldview.
It had to be difficult for Jeremiah always having to be the bearer of bad news, and always being rejected. Jeremiah was continually mocked by the people for bringing nothing but words of condemnation. Jeremiah's words enraged the people. He challenged their social and moral behavior. He held his ground and was not afraid to give them unpopular criticism. The strength of oppressed (by an immoral society) is be as Jeremiah, sounding the alarm, declaring the whole of God’s Word, without compromise, allowing God to bring conviction, through His Word and Spirit!
Speaking the Truth
The strength of the oppressed (those suffering through speaking the truth of God’s Word) was identified by Paul’s own experience, he declared: At first no man stood with me, but all forsook me; notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known. The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:17-18).
Paul further revealed the strength of the oppressed in saying: We are troubled (hard pressed) on every side yet not distressed (crushed); we are perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; cast (struck) down but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9); through the outward man perish (is perishing), yet the inward man is renewed day by day; for our light affliction which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:16-17).
Ungodliness Being Presented
Strength of the oppressed is especially needed in a world that has run amuck in ungodliness being promoted; with the downplaying of godliness in a sin-ridden world. Isaiah, a prophet of God, noted such in declaring: Woe to them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter; which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him (Isaiah 5:20-23).
The result of allowing such to blossom: Therefore as the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have cast away the law of the Lord (the Word of God), and despised the word of the Holy One (Isaiah 5:24).
Knowing God's Word
Apostle Paul proclaimed the strength of God’s people, in saying: Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles (devices) of the devil. We wrestle not against flesh and blood (human standards), but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore taken upon you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day (which are in), and having done all to stand (Ephesians 6:10-13). The whole armor of God consists of: Truth, Breastplate of righteousness, Gospel of peace, Shield of faith, Helmet of salvation, and the Word of the Spirit, which is the word of God, with prayer and supplication. Strength of the oppressed is in absorbing God’s Word; applying the whole armor of God, and having done all to stand!
Weapons not of Human
Standards
Strength of the oppressed (the godly) is identified by Apostle Paul in that we do not walk in the flesh; we do not war after (according to) the flesh (2 Corinthians 10:3). It was noted that though we walk (live) in the flesh (in a body), we do not war (fight) according to the flesh (human standards). For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of the flesh) but mighty through God to the tearing down of strongholds.
Casting down imaginations (arguments) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). One may be facing seemingly insurmountable opposition, as they walk in the light of the Gospel, in the midst of the darkness of this world and troublesome times assail them, but God’s Word is our strength, His Spirit our help in times of need, and we are assured of victory through God's Word!
Our Protector and Provider
The 23rd Psalm ensures strength of the oppressed: The Lord is my shepherd (guardian), I shall not want (suffer need). He makes me to lie down in green pastures (tender green grass). He restores my soul, he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and staff (protective devices) they comfort me (Psalm 23:1-4).
This Psalm declares the role of God as our protector and provider in life. In a troubled world, the believer needs added assurance that can be provided in God’s Word of provision and protection! The Psalmist wrote: God is our refuge, and strength, and a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). When I call upon you, then shall my enemies turn back; this I know, for God is for me (Psalm 56:9). The writer of the Book of Hebrews: I can boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall (can) do to me (Hebrews 13:6).
Midst of Stress
Strength of the oppressed, a detailed reporting of God’s helping hand, in the midst of duress, goes back as far as the Old Testament, and the Prophet Elijah, who witnessed a great victory over 450 false prophets during the reign of King Ahab (1 Kings 18:40), then fled from Ahab’s wife Jezebel, when threatened! He was questioned by God as to why he had fled, and answered: I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away (1 Kings 19:10).
God’s answer: I have left seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal (a false god) (1 Kings 19:18). God strengthen Elijah and commissioned him for another task. One may feel like they are alone in their stand, as little David facing the giant Goliath; but remember; it was though God’s intervention, and David's faith in God, that he was victorious and saved his people from enslavement!
Keeping the Faith
The writer of the Book of Hebrews noted those who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouth of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed (become) valiant in the fight (battle), turned to flight the armies of the enemy (Hebrews 11:33-34).
Others had trials of cruel mocking, and scourging, moreover of chains and imprisonment; were stoned, were tempted, were slain with the sword, wandered about destitute, afflicted, and tormented (Hebrews 11:36-37). Apostle Paul suffered greatly after receiving Christ in his life, suffered martyrdom, but in his last testament stated: I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure (death) is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course (race), I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Peace in a Troubled
World
Strength of the oppressed, and peace therewith, is only found in the loving embrace of a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who said: Peace I leave with you, my peace, I give to you; not as the world give, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). In the world you shall have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 17:33).
Scripture reveals: God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Apostle John wrote: He that believes on the Son has everlasting life; and he that believes not the Son shall be see life (salvation of the soul); but the wrath of God abides (remains) on him (John 3:36).
Strength of the oppressed, and peace therewith, is only found in the loving embrace of a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ! My prayer is that you; if you have not already done so, will find peace, strength of the oppressed, through Jesus as Lord and Savior!
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