In parts of Africa and Asia, there is a small creature known as a honey badger, and this mammal has become well known for its bravery. Even though they measure just a mere 30 inches in length with a weight of approximately 26 pounds, they have earned the recognition of being the most fearless and ferocious animal in the world. They have been known to make even lions back down, an animal several times their size!
These creatures are unfazed by any danger or adversity around them, and this is a quality that we as Christians need to feel as well.
Philippians 1:27-30 “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.”
The Apostle Paul wanted the church to stand fast in the faith, to be strong and obedient to the things which they had learned, and to not be terrified or afraid of those who would try to oppose them or cause them affliction.
Hebrews 13:6 “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
Just like the honey badger, we need to be unfazed by those who oppose the word of God and who seek to cause us to suffer. The apostles the Lord certainly knew this, as they had to endure tribulation many times at the hands of others. They were thrown into prison, they were beaten, they were stoned, and some, such as Stephen, even gave their own life for the cause of Christ. But their faith never wavered, and it never failed.
1 Peter 3:12-14 “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;”
Maybe some of you have been climbing up or down a ladder, when you accidentally misplace your foot and the ladder falls out from underneath you. You immediately grab onto that ledge or shelf in front of you with your hands as hard as you can so that you do not fall, because you know that it will hurt if you do. It might not feel too good at the time while your hands are clamped tightly to the ledge, but you need to hold on as long as it takes until someone can come and help you.
We need to hold on and endure the pain and suffering that others may inflict upon us, knowing that Jesus did the same.
Matthew 10:22 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”
These are words from Christ Himself. If we believe in Him we will be hated. If we believe in the Lord we will have to endure suffering at the hands of others. But we need to be strong. We need to endure, unafraid and unashamed. Just like the honey badger.
In Christ,
Andrew
Teufer Lake King James Bible Church 