By John Chamness
This week, we want to look at some notable “causes.” And there are many good, and many not so good.
The people who attacked our Capital on January 6, 2022 were involved in a “cause.” The riots, pillaging, and destruction that has prevailed in recent years were born in a “cause.”
There are many good causes locally. We see young ladies collecting change and cash at the courthouse square, or first responders at Perryville Blvd. and St. Joseph intersection, and those entering our businesses seeking donations. And we ask the question, “What is the cause?”
I have known people who seem to seek a “cause” to support. Most notably we see these efforts publicized on behalf of media stars.
“Nothing new under the sun!“ So said the writer of the Bible Book of Ecclesiastes. No! “Causes” and those who seek to be part of a “cause” are not new. Stay with me and let me tell you about a few worthy of note. You might not be inclined, but stay with me, you may find what I have to say somewhat interesting.
The “cause” of God was suffering defeat. The armies of Israel stood paralyzed as a raving giant bellowed out threats. No one would challenge him.
But the anointing oil had been poured upon a young shepherd boy named David, and the Scripture declares the Spirit of God came upon him from that day forward. “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God!” he asked in 1 Samuel 17:26.
To David, it seemed the “cause” of God was being thwarted and he offered to challenge this giant alone. Misunderstood by his older brothers; they rebuked him, offering a quick trip back home to watch the sheep.
David asked two probing questions: “What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” (1 Samuel 17:29).
History abounds with people who changed the course of nations because they believed in a “cause.”
Not a single believer has ever made a contribution for the Kingdom of God without first realizing there was a “cause” at stake.
In one of Israel’s darkest hours under the administration of a corrupt priesthood, a praying woman had a “cause” and cried out to God. “Give me a son and I’ll give him back to you all the days of his life,” was her prayer.
The Lord responded with a child who would grow into manhood as Samuel, a man destined to change the history of Israel.
Samuel became a circuit-riding judge who stood for the integrity of a “cause.” He had no personal motives at stake, favored no personalities, and took no bribes. There were no “Watergates”, “Healthcare Packages”, or “Mar-a-Lagos” under his administration.
His praying mother pressed her “cause” before the throne of God.
On the day we call Pentecost, 120 people staggered from the Upper Room proclaiming the Gospel in seventeen different languages. Not outstanding, and few, if any, had degrees behind their names. But they believed in a “cause.”
The Bible states they were told not to preach in the Name of Jesus and then beaten, but they went away rejoicing they were counted worthy to bear shame for His name. The word “rejoicing” in English comes from the same root as the word “hilarious.” Can you imagine men being hilarious because they had been manhandled, threatened, and beaten before a public council? This sounds like very little to be happy about, but they had a “cause.”
My “cause” is to get you to think, step up a little higher in life, become an active part of your local church (especially if it is a church proclaiming and carrying forth the “cause” of our Lord Jesus Christ), and reaching out with love across our community and around the world.
Oh! And don’t forget the many charitable events of our community.
Rev. Dr. John I Chamness is pastor of the Family Worship Center A/G in Chester. He may be reached by phone at 573-547-7634 or by email at johnchamness@att.net.
