STRENGTH OF THE
OPPRESSED
INTRODUCTION
Strength of the oppressed lies in a potential for liberation, arising from recognition as to where that source originates; seen in biblical context as a catalyst for divine intervention, providing a stronghold in times of trouble.
We are witnessing a downsizing of the peaceful setting from previous years. We are witnessing an outreach of evil as noted in the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit; all of which God dealt total destruction.
Strength of the Oppressed
Destructive Ways Recognized
The strength of the oppressed is in realizing the destructive ways being utilized. The prophet Jeremiah, in speaking the words of the Lord, attempted to bring such to light: Thus saith the Lord, stand you in the ways and see and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls; but they (people of Judah) said, we will not walk therein.
I set watchmen over you, saying, hearken to the sound of the trumpet, but they said we will not hearken (Jeremiah 6:16-17). It was noted that the people’s stubborn refusal to walk in the ways of righteousness was often mentioned by Jeremiah; that moving in their own paths and following their own way would only lead to destruction. We are witnessing a similar setting as once God-fearing nations and individuals, are coming to accept ungodly ways and increasing their ability to flourish rather than being condemned.
Wicked Thoughts
In another setting, the Prophet Jeremiah, cried out: O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved, How long shall your vain (wicked) thoughts lodge with you (Jeremiah 4:14)? It was noted that such thinking today can arise from many sources: Absorbing immoral movies and television; carelessly surfing the Internet; listening to malicious talk; ignoring the Word of God; giving into a materialistic worldview.
It had to be difficult for Jeremiah always having to be the bearer of bad news, and always being rejected. Jeremiah was continually mocked by the people for bringing nothing but words of condemnation. Jeremiah's words enraged the people. He challenged their social and moral behavior.
He held his ground and was not afraid to give them unpopular criticism. The strength of the oppressed, to an immoral society, is as Jeremiah, to sound the alarm, declaring the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God, allowing God to bring conviction through His Word and Spirit.
Speaking the Truth
The strength of the oppressed (those suffering due to speaking the truth of God’s Word) was identified by Apostle Paul’s own experience, in declaring: At first no man stood with me, but all forsook me; notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known. The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:17-18).
Paul further emphasized the strength of the oppressed in writing: We are troubled (hard pressed) on every side yet not distressed (crushed); we are perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; cast (struck) down but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9); though the outward man perish (is perishing), yet the inward man is renewed day by day; for our light affliction which is but for a moment, works us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:16-17).
Strength of God's People
Apostle Paul declared the strength of God’s people, in writing: Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles (devices) of the devil. We wrestle not against flesh and blood (human standards), but against principalities, against powers, and against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take upon you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day (which we are in), and having done all to stand (Ephesians 6:10-13). The whole armor of God consists of: Truth, Breastplate of righteousness, Gospel of peace, Shield of faith, Helmet of salvation, and the Word of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Strength of the oppressed lies in absorbing God’s Word; applying the whole armor of God, prayer and supplication, and having done all to stand.
Weapons Not of Human
Standards
Strength of the oppressed (the godly) is identified by Apostle Paul, who wrote: We do not walk in the flesh; we do not war after (according to) the flesh (2 Corinthians 10:3). It was noted that though we walk (live) in the flesh (in a body), we do not war (fight) according to the flesh (human standards). For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of the flesh) but mighty through God to the tearing down of strongholds.
Casting down imaginations (arguments) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). One may be facing seemingly insurmountable opposition, as they walk in the light of the Gospel, in the midst of the darkness (sinfulness) of this world, with troublesome times, but God’s Word is our strength, His Spirit our help in time of need, and we are assured of victory through God’s Word.
Our Protector and Provider
The 23 Psalms refers to the strength of the oppressed: The Lord is my shepherd (guardian), I shall not want (suffer need). He makes me to lie down in green pastures (tender green grass). He restores my soul, he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake; through I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and staff (protective devices) comfort me (Psalm 23:1-4).
This Psalm declares the role of God as our protector and provider. In a troubled world, the believer needs added assurance that can be provided through God’s provision and protection. The Psalmist wrote: God is our refuge, and strength, and a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). When I call upon you, then shall my enemies turn back; this I know, for God is for me (Psalm 56:9). Scripture reveals: I can boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall (can) do to me (Hebrews 13:6).
Midst of Duress
Strength of the oppressed, a detailed reporting of God’s helping hand, in the midst of duress, goes back as far as the Old Testament, revealing the Prophet Elijah witnessed a great victory over 450 false prophets during the reign of King Ahab (1 Kings 18:40), then fleeing from Ahab’s wicked wife Jezebel, when threatened by her. He was questioned by God as to why he had fled, and answered: I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away (1 Kings 19:10).
God’s response: I have left seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal (a false god) (1 Kings 19:18). God strengthen Elijah and commissioned him for another task. One may feel like they are alone in their stand, as Elijah, or little David facing the giant Goliath; but it was though God’s intervention, and David’s faith in God, that brought victory and saved God’s people from enslavement.
Keeping Faith
Scripture notes those who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouth of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed (became) valiant in fight (battle), turned to flight the armies of the enemy (Hebrews 11:33-34).
Others had trials of cruel mocking, and scourging, moreover of chains and imprisonment; were stoned, were tempted, were slain, wandered about destitute, afflicted, and tormented (Hebrews 11:36-37). It was noted that Apostle Paul suffered greatly after receiving Christ in his life, eventfully suffered martyrdom, but in his last testament stated: I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure (death) is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course (race), I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Peace in Troubled World
Strength of the oppressed, and peace therein, is only found in the loving embrace of a Savor, the Lord Jesus Christ, who said: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world give, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). In the world you shall have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 17:33).
Scripture reveals: God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Apostle John wrote: He that believes on the son has everlasting life; and he that believes not the Son shall not see life (salvation of the soul); but the wrath of God abides (remains on him) (John 3:36).
Strength of the oppressed, and peace therein, is only found in the loving embrace of a Savor, the Lord Jesus Christ. My prayer is that if you have not already done so, will find peace through Jesus being your Lord and Savior.
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