Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.
Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
Tell the story of the children of Israel in bondage to an evil ruler, Pharaoh of Egypt. They were nothing more than slaves. It did not begin like that but through the process of time rulers came to power who did not regard the Jews as blessed or even as equals but rather as the labor for the state. It was no longer what was best for the people but what was best for the government.
The children of Israel need delivering and as has always been God’s M.O., He raised up a deliverer, Moses, one from among their brethren. Through a series of divinely orchestrated events God prepared Moses for his destiny.
Ecclesiastes 3
1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak
There is a time to stand still and a time to go forward
Many times …
While we are waiting on a move of God, God is waiting on a move of people.
It was this way when God delivered the children of Israel from Egypt by the hand of Moses. They began their exodus and immediately found themselves in a difficult situation.
Moses and the children of Israel found themselves facing Pharaoh’s army with their backs to the Red Sea. When all seemed lost the people began to be afraid. They murmured and complained and then Moses spoke to the people and said, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord!”
Exodus 14
10 And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD.
11 Then they said to Moses, "Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt?
12 "Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ’Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians?’ For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness."
13 And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.
14 "The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."
15 And the LORD said to Moses, "Why do you cry to Me?” Tell the children of Israel to go forward.
16 But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
God spoke to Moses and said, “Why are you crying to Me? You, Moses, you lift up your rod and the children of Israel will go forward …”
The truth is God had already done all He intended to do … He had given Moses both the position and the power to lead and if Moses did not do something, then nothing would get done. God’s did His part … He positioned someone with the power to lead. Today is no different!
This is not the time in the history of our nation for the Church of the Living God to stand still, keep silent or wait on God to do something. This is the time to get up, speak up and go forward.
Both heaven and earth choose aggressive, decisive and determined individuals to lead the defining battles of life.
It’s not enough for our leaders to take a stand or to tell us to take a stand in these days … We need leaders who will lead – boldly take us forward …
It’s a time to speak up, not shut up …
It’s a time to go forward, not go along …
The Church has been told to keep silent too long. I believe in miracles but I know that: God demands that we participate in our miracles.
Perhaps one of the greatest miracles of our day would be for God to bless our city, our county, our state and our nation with godly, moral, sane and unselfish political leaders who actually represent the people that elected them. But … that miracle will never be a reality without you doing something about it.
You, each one of you, are positioned and empowered by God to make a difference. You are the real leaders in America … you have the vote!
Stand still or keep silent, thinking you are waiting on God, and you’ll die …
Esther 4
14 "For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
How can we speak up … How can we go forward? God gives everyone one thing … the same thing … Opportunity!
Remember:
God has a plan, He will succeed and we have a chance to participate.
Potential is just potential and each opportunity God gives us is a chance to reach our potential.
What opportunities do we have? (Spiritual – Political)
There is a time to keep silent and a time to speak … what time do you think it is in our great nation?
Why cry to God when He has already given us everything we need.
