47 Days of Justice 2024 - Day 26: Failing to speak up may cost you everything.

“Some time later, Reuben returned to get Joseph out of the cistern. When he discovered that Joseph was missing, he tore his clothes in grief. Then he went back to his brothers and lamented, “The boy is gone! What will I do now?””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭37:29-30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In most cases, when people have lost it all, whether that be their freedom and liberty, possessions and positions, or their good reputation and respect, you will find that they can rarely remember the actual starting point for the fall.

Remember that “slippery slope” we referenced when talking about David and Bathsheba? Well, that “slope” quickly becomes a slide: Once committed to it, reversal of direction would require a miracle.

Most people—having taken a full ride down that slide—don’t remember how they got in such a position. Many times, their minds were occupied with some agenda or desire, drama or crisis, or they were reacting to some sudden threat, hurt, anger, etc., that kept them from considering the consequences of what they were about to do.

Another way we find ourselves quickly descending the slide to complete moral and spiritual failure, is acquiescing—for whatever reason—and failing to speak up regarding some wrong being perpetrated, when the opportunity is afforded.

On Day 21 we referenced Mordecai’s warning to Esther:

“Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?””

‭‭Esther‬ ‭4:13-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Back in 2020 when Armenia was mercilessly attacked by Azerbaijan, our president (at the time) chose to do nothing to help them. We tried to get messages to the president about what a mistake he was making and the fact that this could cost him everything. We contacted the only people we knew who might have a route to get to the president’s ear. We don’t know if they spoke up or not. What we do know is that his failure to act, cost him everything.

Fast forward: The 2020 war between Armenian Artsakh and Azerbaijan was stopped by a negotiated ceasefire in which Azerbaijan agreed to keep open the corridor through which Azerbaijan receives what is necessary for survival. However, in December 2022 Azerbaijan blockaded Artsakh, trapping the Armenians in and supplies out. Finally, the Armenians succumbed. In September 2023, over 100,000 Christian Armenians fled their ancient homeland, leaving all they had to be pillaged and destroyed by the Muslim Azeris. The current president also did NOTHING. I wonder what it will cost him?

So many times God puts people in a position of power and authority for a specific purpose. Yet, when it comes their time to speak truth-to-power, their time to do what they were sent to do, they, in fear of losing their position, remain silent. For the love of God (I mean these words), what are they there for?

When a difference can be made by speaking up, or even when you think it won’t change a thing, and you don’t speak up, you have become a part of the injustice; and, make no mistake, the worm will turn.

Now, Reuben had spoken up in terms of saving Joseph from being killed, but he did it in such a way that his brothers thought he was going along with their plan to get rid of him. Oh yes, he “secretly” was going to come back and save Joseph. But when he came back, his little brother—the apple of his father’s eye—was gone.

Child of God, let’s not be like Reuben, telling ourselves that we’re being “discreet,” when we’re just being a coward.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#resolveforhim #47DaysOfJudgement