Pick a Side.

As I was taking an afternoon walk the other day, I was enjoying the cool air and listening to the wind blow through the trees. The path I was walking on is paved with asphalt and is fairly wide. A few minutes into the walk a lady with two small boys riding their bikes were approaching me.  They were riding right down the middle of the path. As I was figuring out if I should go to the left or to the right the mom yelled out, “Pick a side boys.” Both boys immediately went to their right so I was able to go to my right side as

well.  We smiled, passed each other, and I got very excited as I was thinking about that phrase. Isn’t that a biblical concept that is woven in the bible from the Old Testament to the book of Revelation; Pick a side? 

In 1Kings 18:21 this concept of pick a side is clearly put forth. The verse states, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal follow him. But the people answered him not a word.” Because they didn’t answer, it appears that they were uncommitted; Pick a side.

When Joshua brought the children of Israel into the promised land, much of the land had been conquered but there was still more to do. In Joshua chapter 24 he puts a similar

challenge to the people. Joshua’s life was just about over and he told the people to choose, whether they serve the gods of Egypt like your fathers did or serve the Lord in sincerity and truth; Pick a side.  He ends verse 15 with the statement, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Joshua picked his side.

In the beginning of the book of Revelation there are letters that Jesus wrote to the seven churches. The last letter written was to the church at Laodicea, and Jesus called them lukewarm. It seems as if they were walking down the middle of the road like those two boys riding their bikes. Jesus then makes a statement about people who walk the middle or really never commit either way. Jesus said, “I will vomit you out of My Mouth.” That is a very graphic metaphor.  But that is not what Jesus wants so He tells them in verse 19, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”

I trust you have all picked a side and are following Jesus. However, let us continue to examine our hearts that we are not starting to walk down the middle road of life but that we stay fully committed to serve Jesus in sincerity and truth.

Pastor Marty