“For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me… I will speak that I may be refreshed: I will open my mouth and answer” (Job 32:18,20).
TEXT — Job 32:12-22
Speaking in the defence of truth whether in religious matters, politics, or other secular matters has often been recognised and appreciated both in Bible days and contemporary times. In fact, some people have suffered various repercussions including banishment, denial of rights, ostracization and paying the ultimate price (death). Vibia Perpetual, a young woman died as a martyr at the age of 22 years because she was a bold defender of the Christian faith. She was killed by the Romans along with her companions. In contradistinction and sadly too, some other people died as cowards because they buckled under and could not speak in defence of their faith.
Here, Elihu, a younger associate of Job patiently listened to the conversation between Job and his friends. He waited patiently until theolder three friendsgot to theirwits end accusing Job of wrong doing and Job had outspokenly talked of his innocence and accused God of unjustness. In Elihus’s speech and attitude, he was patient, respectful of elders, courageous, and had a good grasp of truth and justice. He presented his speech with wisdom. He spoke with fairness and firmness to Job and his three friends. His speech was so effective that both Job and his friends were dumb founded.
Today, we can defend the truth about God, His word, Christ’s redemption, the gospel, and heaven as we also confront the peddlers of errors using various channels to spread their errors. While the world is drifting far from God’s truth, the New Testament saints must demonstrate courage and boldness to speak the truth always. We must arm ourselves with the knowledge of the Scripture, the power of the Spirit, and holy zeal to confront the growing disciples of false doctrines in these last days.
Thought for the day
A defender of the faith can never put up with errors.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
