How to win the hostile and the hiding - Think about the people in your life who used to be part of the church. They may have been hurt and decided to stop coming. Maybe they got bored and found something more enjoyable to do Sunday mornings? Maybe they stopped gathering during Covid and never got back into the rhythm of it all? They might be hostile. They may be hiding.
There are people who we haven’t seen for a while, so I’m confident you can think of someone who stopped being part of the church for one reason or another.
Maybe you personally know someone who once was on fire for God, but who now is vehemently against all things Christians? There are countless stories of Hollywood starts who were raised in the church and who speak against it now.
I want you to get a clear image of them in your mind.
They may be someone you know really well. They might be someone you still get along with and enjoy.
I want you to know God will finish the good work started in them, the same way He’ll finish the good work He’s started in you.
Listen to How to win the Hostile and the Hiding
Remember these are people that are your family and friends who are like family. It’s a good analogy to say they are your Jerusalem and Judea.
Remember what the good news is about reaching out to Jerusalem?
The good news is God wants you to know He cares for them even more than you do. He what’s you to love them, so they can love Him and love others.
You know them. You love them.
You know what they like and don’t like.
You know how they like to communicate and how they won’t communicate.
You have been trained and bred and positioned and entrusted to reach this mission field.
This is your Jerusalem. It’s those closest to you, the ones most familiar to you, the ones you’re comfortable with.
That’s the good news.
God loves the people you love and has done everything necessary for them to be in right relationship with Him.
Watch the message How to win the Hostile and the Hiding
The not so good news is that family and friends who are like family are the ones who know you the best as well…and that means it’s tough. It’s not easy. It’s tough.
It’s tough. Jerusalem is the place that can kill us. Luke 13:33
The ones closest to us are the ones who can hurt us the most.
It can be intentional or unintentional.
They want the best for us, they may not know what the best is for us. And they can screw up our best very easily and unwittingly.
They can be embarrassed by us or embarrassed for us.
It’s not easy. It’s tough.
Our family and friends who are like family won’t be the first to believe us. John 7:5
Our family and friends who are like family don’t give us the same respect a stranger will. Mark 6:4
Our family and friends who are like family are the ones who know the words that can hurt. John 7:3–5
Our family and friends who are like family are the first to call us crazy. Mark 3:21
Our family and friends who are like family are the ones who question who YOU are and who YOU are becoming. Luke 7:22
The best way for them to see Jesus is real to is for them to see what Jesus does in our life.
It’s not much better for the ones in our Judea. Judea is the place with we tend to like.
Good news - “Judea” are people you are really comfortable with. You’re not really what you’d call close friends, but you could be friends or would be friends if you could. You trust them enough to do business with them. You drive each other’s kids to practice or games. You speak their language. You live in their world. You like these people. These people will probably not kill you.
Not so good news - Jesus warned that some will judge you, hate you, persecute you and call you names.
IF your would-be friends and family and friends who are like family are the ones you’d consider the hostile and hiding, I need to address one portion of Scripture that if you don’t understand, it may create hopelessness in you.
Hebrews 6:4-6 NLT For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come— and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.
The author of Hebrews is not speaking to people have fallen away. It’s not that “You have one shot to stay on the straight and narrow.” In context, verse 9 says:
Hebrews 6:9 NLT Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation.
And verse 11 and 12 tells us the reason he wrote what he wrote.
Hebrews 6:11-12 NLT Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
He was trying to keep his first audience from becoming dull and indifferent. He wanted them and us to keep soft hearts towards God. God does not have a 1-strike or 2-strike or 3-strike or 770-strike policy where His grace will run out. His grace is sufficient for us and our children and all who are far off.
I’m going to give you story after story today of how God brings back the hostile and the hiding. And we’ll take what happened in this book and come up with strategy to win the people who are family or friends who are like family - who are currently behaving like the hostile and the hiding.
You have already thought about them. Holy Spirit has already brought them to your thoughts. God is still for them and not against them. He loves them and is patient with them. He’s not willing for any to perish.
Can I Pray?
Do you remember what life was like before the personal computer?
Maybe some of you remember better what it was like before smart phones?
I remember our first computer. It was a 286. It had a 1200 baud external modem. That meant Shawn could download a 75 kb file from a bulletin board overnight. I think we were still on a party line. No one on the line could use the phone until the download was done.
Whenever new technology comes on the scene, the old technology doesn’t die out right away. I never get the latest iPhone. When I buy a new laptop, I get the latest MacBook.
What’s true today was true 3000 years ago. The iron age had come to the middle east. Well, the Philistines had the secret to iron. Through trade or conquest they got it from the Hittites. It was probably the Hittites who first discovered iron.
Saul was the new King of Israel. The 12 tribes had come together under one king - most likely to keep the Philistines from encroaching on the Promises Land. They had been on the coast since before recorded history, but with the secret of iron they had been setting up garrisons inland. There was a garrison on a hill at the top of the valley called Micmash.
1 Samuel 13:19 (HCSB) No blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “Otherwise, the Hebrews will make swords or spears.”
1 Samuel 13:22 So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hand of any of the troops who were with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons.
What did they have? Stone tools. Bronze tools. All their iron tools had to be sharpened at the Philistines blacksmiths.
Bronze weapons had nothing on iron weapons. Even non-hardened iron - like they would have in the earlier iron age - would cut-through bronze. Check out How to Make Everything’s - Forged Iron Sword vs. Cast Bronze Sword if you’d like to see the difference.
This is a big deal. I want you to keep the technological advantage the Philistines held in mind.
1 Samuel 14:6-14 HCSB Jonathan said to the attendant who carried his weapons, “Come on, let’s cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will help us. Nothing can keep the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” His armor-bearer responded, “Do what is in your heart. You choose. I’m right here with you whatever you decide.” “All right,” Jonathan replied, “we’ll cross over to the men and then let them see us. If they say, ‘Wait until we reach you,’ then we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we’ll go up, because the Lord has handed them over to us—that will be our sign.” They let themselves be seen by the Philistine garrison, and the Philistines said, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they’ve been hiding!” The men of the garrison called to Jonathan and his armor-bearer. “Come on up, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” they said. “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the Lord has handed them over to Israel.” Jonathan climbed up using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. Jonathan cut them down, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off. In that first assault Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about 20 men in a half-acre field.
This is not the way you’d expect a battle like this to happen.
- Let’s only go ourselves.
- Let’s show ourselves.
- We’ll give them the high ground.
- IF they say they’re ready for us, we’ll know we should attack.
- I’ll take the sword we have.
Almost 3000 years later another battle was fought in the same space. It was in WW1.
The Bible As History by Werner Keller, p.187 quotes a book by Major Vivian Gilbert.
Major Vivian Gilbert was an officer in Allenby’s army who was fighting in Palestine in the first world war against the Turks. His brigade was ordered to take a village that stood in rocky prominence on the other side of a deep valley. It was called Micmash. And during the night, he just had this nagging feeling there was something he was missing and forgetting about. And he went into the Bible and he found this portion of Scripture, and read the part where it says they climbed up between two rocks. He woke his commander and together they re-read the passage. Patrols were sent out and they found these two rocks, above they could see a small, flat field. The brigadier altered his plans of attack. Instead of deploying the whole brigade, he sent one company through the pass under the cover of darkness. The few Turks they encountered were overpowered without a sound, the cliffs were scaled, and shortly before daybreak the company had taken position on the “half acre of land”. The Turks woke up and took to their heels in disorder since they thought they were being surrounded by Allenby’s army. They were all killed or taken prisoner.
That is how the battle should have been fought. 3000 years later, that’s how it was fought.
Jonathan’s plan was “Perhaps the Lord will help us.”
It is counter-intuitive to common sense. He was risking his life and life of his armour bearer. They only had one sword between them, but they used it quite effectively. They trusted God…and we’ll get to the full results in a bit.
This message bothers me because its application seems to be “be irresponsible”. And it runs counter to the chapters that proceed it.
Saul - Jonathan’s dad and first King of Israel - did whatever he wanted to do and kept getting into trouble. One chapter before this story - Chapter 13 of Samuel 1 - Saul sacrificed an offering to God before he attacked the Philistines. Which is a good thing to do…but he was supposed to wait for Samuel. But his men were getting afraid because… well you seen how effective bronze swords are against iron swords. And because they were afraid, he was afraid - and he did what he did out of fear. You see it from the moment he hid in the baggage when it was time to be announced as king. There was a few times Holy Spirit was on him and he acted boldly and courageously. But he didn’t kill the Amalekites King because he was afraid. He offered burnt offering before Samuel came because he saw his men deserting him. He was afraid of David when he knew the Lord had departed him but was with David. Saul, for the most part, did what he did out of fear.
Jonathan did what he did out of faith, not fear. “Perhaps the Lord will help us.”
You see, Israel was on the brink of annihilation. The Philistine’s who were on the coast were moving inland and upland into the promise land. They had the subjugated the Israelites with armies and technology. They kept the iron age from extending to them.
Saul was the first king. Before this, they were 12 tribes ruled by judges. Because Israel didn’t have a king, the Philistines were moving into their territory. Jonathan had a standing order from the time of Joshua to possess the promise land. He stood on the promise of the Promised Land.
A thousand years later - after the cross - a similar but different story took place.
Saul - another Saul; not the father of Jonathan - was eager to kill followers of the Way. He got letters from the High Priest to go to Damascus and get help from the synagogues to arrest followers of the Way. As he went a light from heaven blinded him and he heard a voice saying “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” and Saul asked who he was and the voice said “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The ones with him saw the light, but didn’t hear the voice. And so he was blind for three days and didn’t eat.
Let’s pick up the story and and see how it lines up with Jonathan’s.
Acts 9:10-19 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him…
Did you catch the similarities with the two stories? Maybe you never thought about what Ananias had to go through.
He had to obey what Jesus told him. But Saul had zealous traveling companions. And Jesus never said, “Obey me and I’ll keep you safe.” He said “Go”. He had to obey. He had to risk his life. He only had his hands so he used them. He had to trust God when Jesus asked the ridiculous of him.
Let’s look at how both stories end. We’ll pick up what Ananias does in Acts 9:17-19
Acts 9:17-19 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.
In case you didn’t know… Saul became Paul and wrote 13 out of the 27 books in the New Testament, he probably started 20 of the earliest churches in Christianity. Except for Jesus Christ, Paul is considered and recognized as the most significant influential spiritual figure and contributor to the Christian faith and Christian church.
Would he have been if Ananias didn’t come for him? God often does amazing things with those who were earlier hostile towards Him.
Jonathan’s story ends how you might expect… but so much better.
1 Samuel 14:14-15 (HCSB) In that first assault Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about 20 men in a half-acre field. Terror spread through the Philistine camp and the open fields to all the troops. Even the garrison and the raiding parties were terrified. The earth shook, and terror spread from God.
It wasn’t as if people got confused and they started to panic. God took what they offered, blessed it and multiplied it. God sent an earthquake and terrified them.
1 Samuel 14:20-23 (HCSB) Saul and all the troops with him assembled and marched to the battle, and there, the Philistines were fighting against each other in great confusion! There were Hebrews from the area who had gone earlier into the camp to join the Philistines, but even they joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. When all the Israelite men who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined Saul and Jonathan in the battle. So the Lord saved Israel that day.
Did you catch that?
Israelites who wanted to fight with iron rather than bronze had gone over to the enemy camp, they turned and fought with Saul. Then the people who had been hiding in the hills joined in the battle as well. The hostile and hiding switched in a moment and were in the front lines of the charge against the enemy.
Your family and friends who like family who have gone to the enemy’s camp or who are hiding in the hills can - in a moment - be in the front lines against the enemy. It can happen that fast and it’s something God loves to do.
What if…
What if you could see those family and friends who are like family and would-be friends who are hostile towards God or hiding from God come back and be welcomed backed to the family of God? What would it feel like to have them come worship with you or invite you to join them as their church gathers when you come visit?
What would it be like to sit around and celebrate the good things of God when you get together?
It is God’s will for you and for them. God is not willing that any should perish but that everyone comes to repentance.
Will you do what you can to make things conducive for them to know Jesus as Lord?
Will you LOVE?
LOVE
L - Lean into love 1 Corinthians 16:14
O - Open to obedience John 14:15
V - Value the counter-intuitive Isaiah 55:8
E - Every time leave it to God Isaiah 64:4
L - Lean into love
Your every action must be done with love. 1 Corinthians 16:14
What we’re talking about is not about making a name for yourself. It’s not about making the highlight reel.
When people say “Go big or go home” they seriously underestimate my willingness to go home. Going home is actually my goal.
Paul taught the church in Thessalonica
“make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: you should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NIVUK
And I say, “Amen”.
And I know that’s what it’s like for many of you. You are cringing at the stories you just heard. You think I’m going to ask you to do something that SOOO outside your comfort.
But this message is not just for extroverts. It’s for introverts too. Everyone can do something that’s counter-intuitive to common sense and risk their reputation and be motivated by love.
But it can’t be about making yourself look good. It’s all about trusting God, so He’s the one on the hook. “Perhaps the Lord will help us.”
Listen, when Jesus was tempted by satan, the final temptation he was brought to the top of the temple…
Luke 4:9-12 HCSB So he took Him to Jerusalem, had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you, and they will support you with their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” And Jesus answered him, “It is said: Do not test the Lord your God.”
Do you understand what that temptation was?
Imagine what would have happened if Jesus - at the start of his ministry - floated down from the pinnacle of the temple. He’s be announcing himself as Messiah. He’d be drawing much bigger crowds, a lot earlier on. The Romans for sure would be impressed and terrified. The Sanhedrin would be shocked and perplexed. The people would be amazed an follow.
The temptation for Jesus was if he’d promote himself on His own timeline or if he’d trust the Father with His timeline.
It can’t be about the show. It can’t be about the dough. It must be about doing everything we do in love.
Am I doing what I do in love?
O - Open to obedience
If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15
Jonathan knew- Joshua 1:9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Ananias had Jesus’ command John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commands.
You and I have a command. It’s the same Ananias had. What is God’s command for us? The Great Command and Great Commission can be summed up with: Love God and love others so they can love God and love others.
Am I doing what I do to obey God?
V - Value the counter-intuitive
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. Isaiah 55:8 NLT
Jonathan valued the counter-intuitive when he said “Perhaps the Lord will help us…”
Ananias valued the counter-intuitive when he obeyed the scary thing Jesus told him to do.
If you want to win the hostile and the hiding you need to value the counter-intuitive
What might that look like for you?
Praying over your meal in the lunch room at work?
Asking a friend or stranger who complains about an ache or ailment if you can pray for them right now?
Letting others see your good deeds so that they will glorify your father in heaven?
Giving a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name?
Healing the sick, welcoming outcasts into relationships and community, casting out demons, raising the dead?
Is it being active in sharing your faith and prepared to give a reason for the hope you have with gentleness and respect?
Is it starting a conversation with a stranger on a bus?
Is it teaching your kids or grandkids how to pray and read the Bible?
I don’t know what it look like for you, but I do know what it will look like for all of us. And I know once you do it, you’ll more and more opportunity to value to counter-intuitive. We walk by faith and not sight after all.
What it looks like when you valued the counter-intuitive
- It will be counter-intuitive to the common sense of others. (Sometimes you too)
- It will risk AT LEAST your reputation. (Maybe your comfort and respectability and life)
- It must be motivated by love. ( Love of God, or love of others or to both love of God and love of others.)
Do I value the counter-intuitive?
E - Every time leave it to God
For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! Isaiah 64:4 NLT
The scary thing the happened with both Jonathan and Ananias was that either story could have ended very, very badly. All you can do is use what is in your hand.
Jonathan had a sword. His armour bearer didn’t have one. Each man used what they had.
“Jonathan cut them down, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off.”
Ananias had his hands, so he laid them on Saul.
What is in your hand to use?
Go in confidence and competence, but realize all you offer is loaves and fishes.
But know what happens when Jesus blesses and God multiplies.
The disciples had no bread when Jesus asked them to feed the 5,000. Andrew found a boy with 5 loaves and 2 fishes. Jesus blessed it and God multiplied it. John 6:1-14
When you use what you have, Jesus blesses it and God multiplies it.
Do I do what I can and leave the rest up to God?
How do you win the hostile and the hiding?
You LOVE
L - Lean into love 1 Corinthians 16:14
O - Open to obedience John 14:15
V - Value the counter-intuitive Isaiah 55:8
E - Every time leave it to God
Can I pray?