Command 3 : Rejoice | Day 16

Expect Surprises!

We must never forget that we are in constant combat. The lives of those under our care and concern depend upon our success. In warfare, one of the most effective tactics of the enemy is a surprise attack. This tactic is used by Satan in the poison darts of reviling.

“Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9).

This prophetic Psalm experienced by David is repeated in Psalm 55:12-14: "For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company."

Truth embraced and lived out divides. Jesus made this clear when He stated: “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division” (Luke 12:51). Jesus Himself demonstrated this division when He presented truth that required a life change. Many of His followers were offended and walked no more with Him. (See John 6:66.) His betrayal was carried out by the least suspected disciple, since Judas had the only appointed position--the position of treasurer. (See John 13:29.)

Surprise attacks also produce surprise results in those who are watching.

When I watched my father take a stand for righteous living and walk away from being the president of his company, I said to myself, "If he can do it in the business world, I can do it in my high school." I then began a series of projects that would explain the Gospel to every classmate.

Surprise attacks came, not from my classmates, but from the superintendent. One day he called me into his office and demanded, "Are you trying to convert our student body?" I respectfully but enthusiastically stated that this was my intended goal. He then threatened that if I didn't stop a pre-school prayer meeting in the cafeteria, he would send a letter to every single family in our town telling them what he thought about "my faith."

But God has the last word! During those years I was meditating on the Scripture day and night and saw God's blessings in every area of my life. So one day the superintendent had to congratulate me before the entire student body for winning a Future Scientist of America contest. Then at graduation he had to present to me a special scholarship fund collected by grateful fellow students!

Let's purpose now to rejoice whenever we are reviled. It will cause people to take a deeper look at what they are reacting to!