God Speaking

“….But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Recently I read a fascinating story that surfaced on the internet about a German shipyard worker in 1936. This particular man, August Landmesser, was outstanding because of his refusal to salute Hitler while Hitler was presiding at the launching of a naval ship. The reason this story came to light was through his daughter, who saw a photograph of the launching in a German newspaper in 1991 and recognised the one brave man who refused to acknowledge Hitler in the photo, as her father. The article I was reading described August Landmesser as a moral hero and went on to say that the world needs more stories of those who are brave enough to stand up for what they believe.

I think that Scripture has many stories of moral heroes. I call them the “As For Me” characters. Against all surrounding opinions, creeds, religions, current beliefs they are brave enough to boldly declare, “as for me” especially in their desire to follow the one true God.

Joshua was one such man. He had led the children of Israel into the Promised Land, but knew the incredible temptations that were going to draw them away from following the Lord. He didn’t make any apologies about what God had said or any attempt to water down the Lord’s commands. He didn’t make allowances or excuses for what he believed, but said very clearly;

“…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Samuel was another very definite example of one who stood firm in his beliefs. He also knew the people would be severely tempted to follow other gods, but did not waiver in his belief of a powerful God who heard his prayers.

“As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.” (1 Samuel 12:23)

The psalmists also knew the trials of being surrounded by unbelievers and the pessimists that doubted God or his ability to control the outcome of a bad situation and yet were able to stand firm and declare their faith;

“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long…” (Psalm 71:14 – 15)

We ourselves and especially our children, are living in a time where in some circles, Christianity is mocked for all sorts of reasons. The values are out of date/ the Bible was written for a different time/ God’s word is no longer applicable for a modern generation/ God is just a figure of imagination/ God has no control over the earth. It takes a lot of courage to be an “as for me” person in today’s world and to declare firmly that despite what is raging around us we are not going to back down, but will continue in our belief of a God who loved us so much he gave his only Son to die for us.

You may have a story of a brave, “as for me” person you have witnessed in your life. Share your story to encourage and empower other believers.

Jesus’ words encourage us;

“By standing firm you will gain life” (Luke 21:19)