Epaggelia

Never forget that the only “King” mentioned in this chapter is David. Most heroic men and women of faith are usually those that live lives out of the public spotlight. Genuine mature spiritual giants in Christ today, love living life behind the scenes of the public’s eye. Praising and serving Christ amongst those that Jesus would serve if He were here, because His Spirit is here, read this: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:18-19)

11:32-34, have excellent comfort for us, phrases like; “Wrought righteousness.” In their narrower sense, these words signify “to execute judgment, to enforce the laws of justice:” the historical reference would be to such passages as Joshua 11: 10-15; 1 Samuel 24:10; 2 Samuel 8:15. But in its wider scope “wrought righteousness” means the living of a holy life: “Lord, who shall abide in Your tabernacle? who shall dwell in Your holy hill? He that walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart” (Psalm 15:1-2). “In every nation he that fears Him, and works righteousness, is accepted with Him” (Acts 10:35). “Righteousness” signifies up to the required standard; and to work righteousness means, walking according to the rule of God’s Word: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

“Stopped the mouths of lions.” The historical reference is to Daniel in the den. It shows again the marvellous power of faith. This comes out clearly in Daniel 6:23: “So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.” But how far may this be of help to us? Is the answer far to away? There are ferocious people, as well as fierce animals! There are savage oppressors and persecutors who try to intimidate, if not destroy, the mild and harmless Christian. True, but they should not terrify us, nor spoil our testimony, by causing us to hide our light under a bushel. Daniel would not be forced into compromising by the threat of the lions of Babylon, nor should we be frightened by the menacing looks, words, and actions of the world’s lions today. “I will trust and not be afraid.” IN CHRIST. The phrase, “Stopped the mouths of lions.” almost looks as though faith were omnipotent! We dare not set any limitations to it, for faith has to do with the living God, and nothing is too hard for Him. Faith lays hold of the Almighty, and not until your faith learns to do that, is it of much worth. Is the Lord God a living reality to you, or do you have but a theoretical knowledge of Him? The ultimate reference in our text is to him of whom it is said, “The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). His mouth is opened against many a child of God, uttering lies, telling him that our lifestyle is an empty one. Have you learned to “stop his mouth?” Do his false accusations no longer terrify you? Does he now find it useless to harass you any longer? It all depends: “stopped the mouths of lions” is preceded by “obtained promises”!

  “Escaped the edge of the sword.” The historical reference is to such passages as 1 Samuel 18:4; 1 Kings 18:10; 1 Kings 19:1-3, Jeremiah 39:15-18: It seems in those eminent servants of God, escaped from danger more by fear than by faith—by fleeing from those who threatened their lives. The life of faith is many-sided, and care needs to be taken to preserve the balance: to keep from merely being passive on the one hand, and from fanatical presumption on the other. While the Christian is to walk by faith, there is wrestling (Ephesians 6:12) and fighting to be done (1 Timothy 6:12); we are to seek grace and develop all heroic virtues, such as courage, dignity, boldness (2 Timothy 2:3), and endeavour by Divine aid to overcome everything which hinders us entering into God’s best example. On the other side, the Christian must not refuse the use and aid of all lawful means in times of danger: “when they persecute you in this city flee ye into another” (Matthew 10:23)—to refuse to do so, is not faith, but presumption. This chapter of faith should invoke us to “walk wisely”, see Ephesians 5:15. It is amazing what achievements God’s wisdom can accomplish. What do you really believe?