Frederick the Great, the agnostic Prussian king had a devout Christian as his most trusted Army General, by name, Von Zealand. In a festive gathering, the king began making crude jokes about Christ until everyone, except Von Zealand, was rocking with laughter. Finally, Von Zealand stood up and addressed the king: “Sir, you know I have not feared death. I have fought and won 38 battles for you. I am an old man; I shall soon have to go into the presence of One greater than you, the mighty God who saved me from my sin, the Lord Jesus Christ whom you are blaspheming. I salute you, sir, as an old man who loves his Saviour, on the edge of eternity.” The place went silent, and with a trembling voice the king replied, “General Von Zealand, I beg your pardon! I beg your pardon!” And with that the party quietly ended.
That is courage – doing what you are scared to do for the sake of your conviction.
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it" (Mark 8:35). When next you find yourself torn in between the fear of man and a God-assigned duty, will you dare to be like Jeremiah? Be faithful and speak up for the Lord. He will vindicate and preserve you.
