If you had lived in Germany during Hitler's rise, would you have spoken up against the atrocities inflicted on the Jews?
If you had lived in the early days of America, would you have spoken up to end slavery?
If you had been caught up in the crowd yelling at Pilate to crucify Jesus, would you have spoken up to defend His innocence?
I'd like to think that yes, I would have spoken up. I'd like to think many of us would have done so.
But the reality is, people who should have known better during those historical times did NOT speak up.
And the reality is, I know my own weaknesses and fears. While I would love to say with confidence that YES, I would have taken a stand against evil in any form, no matter what the consequences...inside I can't help but wonder if I would have been any different from those who turned a blind eye to bloodthirsty hatred or even justified it.
Evil triumphs for a long while because it squashes those who voice opposition. It rules with fear and terror on its side, not only for those whom it specifically targets, but also for those who would dare stand in its way...whether with words or weapons.
Father God...
May we never falter in these times of trouble. Give us strength and courage to rescue those being led away to death, to hold back those staggering toward slaughter. We know the evil of these times. May we never be complicit with it because of outward pressures or inward fears. You know all things. You alone are the righteous Judge. May we be faithful to serve you and others as long as you give us life here on earth. In Jesus's name, amen.
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