We frequently hear the phrase, “Your words will produce a violent response!” That threatening comment is not a reason for a believer to remain silent when the truth is not being honored.
Charlie Kirk was killed because he spoke the truth about life, marriage, and sexual identity. Charlie’s assassination was a turning point for many in the Church. He attached his citizenship to those issues, and it stirred up the dark spirit of murder. Speaking the truth can create a violent response in people who are not mentally or spiritually balanced.
When Stephen addressed the Jewish council, he gave a lengthy exposition of the sins of the leaders who were listening to him speak. He traced that exposure back to previous generations of their ancestors.
Stephen’s comments were lengthy and filled most of Acts 7. Stephen ended his comments with these words. “You stubborn people! You are a heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you’ (Acts 7:51).
“The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, ‘Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!’ Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him” (Acts 7:54-58). Stephen was martyred in that attack because he spoke the truth in public.
A similar thing happened to Paul. He was confronted by a violent mob that threatened his life for speaking the truth in public. The official in charge of the situation allowed Paul to address the crowd.
As Paul was finishing up his defense, he said, “But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!'” The crowd listened until Paul said that word. Then they all began to shout, ‘Away with such a fellow! He isn’t fit to live!’ They yelled, threw off their coats, and tossed handfuls of dust into the air.” (Acts 22:22-23). Paul’s crime was to mention the word “Gentiles.”
The Jews did not like the mention of the Gentiles being included in God’s plan of redemption. That idea was unthinkable to them, and anyone who taught that the Gentiles were loved by God should be killed. It seems a lot hasn’t changed in 2,000 years.
It’s not popular today to speak or preach about issues sourced in the truth of Scripture. Our culture and some within the Church have become compromised and remain silent. Those who speak the truth in the public square will have a target painted on their bodies. This is not just a target painted on a visible public figure like Charlie Kirk. It can happen to all of us. It happens among our friends, our neighborhoods, and sadly, in our places of worship.
As the Lord was calling Moses, He asked Moses a question, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say” (Exodus 4:11-12).
We are never alone when we speak the truth. The Lord is always present with us whenever we go and speak the truth in His name. Our words will offend some because it is the public declaration of the truth that some think should be silenced by whatever means possible. It’s into those situations when we need to be reminded of the Lord’s command to Moses, “Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”
Amen for “If you will STAND people will be SET FREE”, my wife sang spontaneously during worship last week.