David and Goliath Part 9 Bold and Courageous

# 245 - Today's Du-votional comes from: 1Sa 17:28a, “Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger was aroused against David, ” (1 Sam 17:28a) David has spoken against the cowardice of the Israelites and stirs up the wrath of his brother. This was no petty amount of ire. The word anger here means a flaring of the nostrils. His brother reacted like a mad bull. Understand something here, this is the normal reaction of those who get upset at Christians who take stands for righteousness. The heat will come, and it often comes from those who are closest to you. It can be from your own family members or even members of your church family. You see when one takes a stand and speaks against unrighteousness, it reminds the angered ones of their own shortcomings in this area, but rather than repent, they flare up their nostrils and lash back with angry words and deeds. Don't let the anger of others deter you from speaking on behalf of righteousness and acting righteously. (By the way, be sure you don't confuse that with self-righteously) Our world and especially the church needs a lot more people speaking to what is right and wrong according to the Word of God. You need not fear them, for Christ, your brother has been there and done that. Joh 1:11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. The anger of His own people flared up so badly that they crucified Him. But He never stopped preaching righteousness. Stephen spoke against the unrighteous crucifixion of Jesus and their anger flared up so much that they killed him too. When the ire of others rises up against you remember the words of Job in Job 13:15,16, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. 16 He also shall be my salvation, For a hypocrite could not come before Him.” Job was confident in the Word of God may God grant us the same confidence and persevering courage of Job and David. Father, grant to us both the boldness and love of Job and David.