"The Lord abhors indifference and disloyalty in a time of crisis in His work. The whole universe
is watching with inexpressible interest the closing scenes of the great controversy between good
and evil. The people of God are nearing the borders of the eternal world; what can be of more
importance to them than that they be loyal to the God of heaven? All through the ages, God has
had moral heroes; and He has them now, --those who, like Joseph and Elijah and Daniel, are not
ashamed to acknowledge themselves His peculiar people. His special blessing accompanies the
labors of men of action; men who will not be swerved from the straight line of duty, but who with
divine energy will inquire, 'Who is on the Lord's side?' men who will not stop merely with the
inquiry, but who will demand that those who choose to identify themselves with the people of
God shall step forward and reveal unmistakably their allegiance to the King of kings and Lord of
lords. Such men make their wills and plans subordinate to the law of God. For love of Him, they
count not their lives dear unto themselves. Their work is to catch the light from the Word, and let
it shine forth to the world in clear, steady rays. Fidelity to God is their motto." Prophets
and Kings, page 148.
Elijah asked the people to make a decision. He called upon them to have the courage of their
conviction. A person's life ought to correspond to his belief. God help us to have the courage of
our convictions.
"How long limp ye between the two opinions?" Notice that "how long." God's people did not
need more evidence that the worship of YAH was the best. They had been in trouble ever since
they served Baal. It had not rained for more than three years, according to the word of Elijah.
They knew what was right, but they were putting off their decision until a more convenient
season. Are you waiting until it may become easier to declare yourself? That
time will never come. Shame on us if we wait because of personal considerations when truth,
right, and YAH are concerned!
What causes a person to do as did the people of Elijah's day when asked to decide? "And the
people answered him not a word." It would seem that almost anyone would rather be on the right
side than on the wrong. Why will a person refuse to stand on the side of truth? How is it that
intelligent people do not dare often times to step out and declare themselves wholeheartedly on
the side of right?
"Not one in that vast assemble dare reveal loyalty to Jehovah. Like a dark cloud, deception and
blindness had overspread Israel. Not all at once had this fatal apostasy closed about them, but
gradually, as from time to time they had failed to heed the words of warning and reproof that the
Lord sent them. Each departure from right doing, each refusal to repent, had deepened their guilt,
and driven them farther from heaven. And now, in this crisis, they persisted in refusing to take
their stand for God." Prophets and Kings, pages 147, 148.
YAH grant that we today may see the beauty and the power in taking a stand. When our decision
is on YAH's side, His promise that He will never leave nor forsake us gives strength and courage
to maintain our stand. When asked, "Who is on the Lord's side?" --let us stand up with courage
along with the remnant of 144,000.