Speaking God's Truth, No Matter What

During my high school years, we were required to read the classic novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird” (see review). In that novel, Atticus Finch is portrayed as a respected small-town lawyer living in the segregated South during the 1930’s.

When Atticus defends an innocent black man accused of raping a white woman, he faces terrible prejudice from the jury, but his conscience compels him to boldly speak the truth in the face of all opposition.

Similarly, the Old Testament prophets were sent to preach the truth to a stubborn people (cf. 2 Chronicles 24:19; Jeremiah 7:21-28). Their rejected message often resulted in persecution and sometimes even death (Jeremiah 29:15-19; Jeremiah 32:32-33; cf. Matthew 23:33-34; Hebrews 11:32-38).

Many times, our Lord’s message also resulted in angry opposition (Luke 4:21-30; John 7:32-44; John 8:52-59; John 10:19-39). Yet, the terrible miscarriage of justice that sentenced Jesus to death on the cross also thankfully purchased our redemption (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:9-14; Hebrews 9:12-14).

As representatives of the resurrected Christ, we are to promote reconciliation, justice, and integrity (Micah 6:8; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). This may mean speaking the truth in the face of severe opposition (Matthew 10:16-23). This is the responsibility of every faithful Christian until that day when the Lord makes all crooked things straight (Isaiah 42:13-16; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 20:11-15).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets