There are many who suggest that we are living in dangerous times. That term can mean different things to different people. A General with his troops in a war zone – Dangerous – has a very obvious meaning, such as imminent attack or death. A Prophetic Preacher speaking of uncertain times – Dangerous – suggests Doomsday, Armageddon, etc. A person who is lost and wandering in a Ghetto area – Dangerous – has a whole array of possibilities – mugging, robbery, stabbing, rape, murder, etc. John Newton penned some interesting words in the Hymn, Amazing Grace: “Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come…” What was he reflecting upon, and what dangers was he reviewing in his mind when he wrote those words? Could it have been the cruel acts of being a slave trader; or his behavior when he was drunk; or when he sunk to the depths of wretchedness as a human being; or when he had a moment when he sensed how lost he was and how wretched he had become?

The word Danger means: “liability or exposure to harm or injury; risk; peril. an instance or cause of peril; menace.” When an enemy in combat has demonstrated superiority, and a retreat is ordered, the danger level is elevated. Even though a rearguard is established, it is a very small contingent and thin line between the advancing army and the retreating troops. The fear level is also heightened and the death factor becomes an increasing reality. It would cause one to muse and consider – what if you were the last person of the retreating troops – how would you feel and what would you do? Would you want the people in front of you to move more quickly? Would you be constantly looking over your shoulder to see if the enemy was closing the gap and getting closer? Would it be a time to quote and pray Isaiah 26:3, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon thee…”?

It is good to reflect upon History – not just because if we forget it we are doomed to repeat it – but because of the courageous and heroic acts and actions of ordinary people. The inspirational moment when brave men climbed Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945 and raised the American Flag over Iwo Jima.  The dramatic rescue by ordinary people of those who were under siege of Germany at Dunkirk – using whatever crafts would float and moving the troops out of harms way. The role of national leaders, such as Winston Churchill, who stood as a monument of defiance and proclaimed to Hitler and the world, “We shall never surrender.”

More significantly, are those in Biblical History who withstood the opposition even though it meant possible persecution, torture and death. The words of Hebrews 11:32-38 are a very apt description of a determined and committed people – “And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-- of whom the world was not worthy--wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth…” The epitaph was: “of whom the world was not worthy…” It also causes us to think of Psalm 23 and the words of confidence David shares in terms of The Lord and His faithfulness to His people – “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me…” It was his absolute certainty that because the Lord was his Shepherd he had everything that he needed or would ever need. Is that your absolute certainty – because the Lord is your Shepherd you have everything that you need or ever will need? ? Can it be said of you – “of whom the world was not worthy…”? May the Lord deliver you from every fear and lead you in His paths of righteousness and peace. Consider these things with me!