“Savior Proclaims Everywhere Always Kindness! (S.P.E.A.K)” 

By Ramesh C.Reddy
Pittsburgh Standard

Thursday, Feb 19, 2009

SCRIPTURE:
“He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married. For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.” (Mark 6:17-20, NIV)

Observation:
I asked myself what is the cause-effect relationship here?
Because John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife, the effect was Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him.

Interpretation:
I asked myself what is the significance of John’s statement to Herod?
John the Baptist did not just tell Herod once what he was doing was wrong but multiple times. John the Baptist kept speaking to Herod the truth to make him see what he was doing was wrong when he took his brother’s wife. This is evidenced by the phrase, ‘John had been saying’. John the Baptist wanted it to go into Herod’s mind and wanted Herod to act on changing his ways. In essence, John the Baptist wanted Herod not to have any part with Herodias for she was already taken.

If John the Baptist kept saying to Herod what he was doing was unlawful, naturally Herodias would have heard it too. The news would have reached her and it did. She had a lot to lose if Herod listened to her and sent her away.

First of all, his brother may not have even accepted her anymore because she became an adulterer. She could have also been killed if sent away from Herod’s palace. Finally, maybe she had so much riches and materialistic possessions with Herod than his brother. Now she sees all that in jeopardy because of John the Baptist. Therefore she holds a grudge against him and wants to kill him.

Interestingly she did not have the opportunity to do it on her own because though John the Baptist kept saying to Herod what he was doing was unlawful, Herod wanted John the Baptist alive.

I asked myself why?

1. Herod feared John.

2. Herod protected John.

3. Herod knew John to be a righteous man.

4. Herod knew John to be a holy man.

5. Herod was puzzled by John’s statements.

6. Herod liked to listen to John.

I asked myself the significance of Herod’s actions?
Herod had bound and put John in prison because of Herodias’ request but he would not let any harm come to him at that time. Instead, I believe he would go to John in prison and listen to him speak. This could have made Herodias very nervous thinking she might lose Herod and Herod’s mind might be changed. So, Herodias wants to prevent John and Herod to have anymore contact lest his mind changes but Herod continues to listen to him and gives protection to John.

Implications:
I saw important implications for my own life here. I saw in my own life what can happen when we speak out against immorality. I also found that we are never alone when we speak out against immorality. Even if people do not agree with us, there will be people who will still respect us very much and even want to listen to us when they see our lifestyle reflecting what we speak out against.

I want to share both sides with you about the things I have spoken out against.

Once I wrote a column titled, “With love homosexuality can be cured.” The uproar I received was astonishing because I wrote against homosexuality and let them see how Jesus can even cure homosexuality and heal it in His love.  I broke the record for the number of letters to the editor because I spoke out against homosexuality and spoke for change. It did not stop there but I heard a person say to me, “Ramesh, you are the most hated person on campus because of what you wrote. You should not even have your name tag on so people do not come after you.”

It did not stop there but anti-Ramesh columns started appearing in the newspaper. In other words, letters were not enough but they had to write columns against me and many did. Eventually, a moratorium had to be put on anti-Ramesh columns appearing anymore.

I had not let that stop me from living the Truth and proclaiming the Truth. The reason is not because I enjoyed controversy and wanted to create an uproar but because of Jesus Christ in my life. Because of my love for Jesus Christ and what He already did for me, I wanted to share the love of Jesus with others. I was healed of asthma when I came to the Lord. I  believe Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow!

I also knew what Jesus did in those days Jesus could even do now for people struggling against the sin of homosexuality. Jesus came to set the captives free and since homosexuality is a sin, those practicing it are captive to this sin. I had to write the truth to them about the power of Jesus Christ and what He can do for them because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I did that.

I faced so much written persecution that student leaders of InterVarsity Christian  Fellowship wanted to have a panel discussion with me and another person titled, “Christianity and Homosexuality: Is there a compromise?”: Ramesh C. Reddy (Columnist Against Homosexuality) v.s Michael Mazza, Phd (Columnist for Homosexuality).

There was such an uproar that we had to card people’s ID before they got entrance into the panel discussion. We did not do much advertising for it but were in prayer for the discussion. The room was packed and it became standing room only. It was attended by seven columnists from the Pitt News! This gave me the opportunity to speak about Jesus Christ and what Jesus says about sexual sin including homosexuality with kindness. Without Jesus Christ in my life, I may not have cared about what other people do using the excuse, 'it's their life and they can live it how they want' but because of Jesus Christ in my life, it hurts me to see people sin and take God's Word so lightly that I feel a necessity to speak out.

To this day, I continue to speak out against sin and write columns that no one else is willing to touch for certain newspapers.

There are those that came to me from the homosexuality support group who promoted homosexuality but respected me because they saw the love of Christ the Lord was helping me to give to all of them. They knew I stood on principle and backed it up by the Word of God.

 Some would come and tell me that they read my columns but did not agree with them, yet they love to read them because they make them think and are well thought of. I thank the Lord for that! Eventually, this caught the eye of the Editor-in Chief of the Pittsburgh Standard who recruited me.

All this gave birth to me writing for the monthly paper edition called ‘The Pittsburgh Standard’. Now the paper continues to run online at www.pittsburghstandard.com and has addressed hot topics at IMPRESSIONS and HOTPRESSIONS and will continue to do so even as there is a section called ‘Expressions” which is “Expressions of Christ's Love" section.

I share all this with you because when we speak out against immorality, it will not always be easy for us. There will be times we will be persecuted. If we did not have ‘Freedom of Speech’ in our U.S. Constitution it could be worse. People will try to shut us up still by smearing us or preventing us from speaking our mind. Some won't even care for the constitution.

"Badmouthing Black Woman Willingly, Jacobs Justifies Expelling Employee!" (May 23, 08, 10:14 p.m.)

Yet, when we depend on the Lord and are bold, He will give us opportunities. Pittsburgh Standard which I publish online has been one of those opportunities. The paper does not just tackle immoral issues but all kinds of issues.

When we stand on the promises of Jesus and follow Him, we should not let persecution get to us. We need to continue to speak out against immorality no matter what it is.

I ask you now dear friend when do you speak out?
Dear friend, many speak out only when it benefits them but that is not what we have been called to. If we are believers in Christ and want to follow Him daily and surrendered our lives to Him, we will be willing to be used as His vessels to ‘Live the Truth, Proclaim the Truth’.

You will be placed in positions where you can speak out against immorality whatever it may be whether it is homosexuality, adultery, pre-marital sex, abortion, drunkenness, cheating, lying, etc. You do not have to stop after mentioning it once or writing about it once but can continue to speak out whether it be in one of your classes, with family, with friends, or strangers. 

You can speak out right now if you know injustice or immorality that is occurring around you. You can speak out through speech or through writing. It will not be easy and you could face ridicule and persecution from others. Even those you thought were your friends could turn against you when you speak out against something that is wrong. John the Baptist did not stop that from speaking out. We should not too.

Finally, if we are to imitate anyone, it should be Jesus Christ. Jesus always spoke out against injustice and we have His Word to read about what is unjust and immoral so we do not engage in them and can help others not to engage in them.

More than anything, we who have been redeemed by the Lord should want to speak out for the Lord so others can experience His love and grace. It is because of His grace that you and I can be saved. The Gospel of Jesus Christ should be spoken of when you are with others because life without the Gospel is no life at all in the larger scheme of things.

It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that gives people hope to live and hope to speak out in life. After what Jesus did on the cross for us by dying for our sin and coming back to life to save us, it should be exciting to share that with others.

When others do something good for you, are you not excited to share it with your other friends, whether they are followers of Christ or not?

How much more, we should share about what Jesus did for us! Friend, while you and I were sinners, Jesus paid the price to set us free. His blood was shed on the cross to free you and me from the bondage and slavery to sin.  All the Lord asks of us is to receive this free gift of grace that is not dependent on anything we do or have done except receiving it. It is by faith we have been saved through grace and not of works that anyone can boast.

When we repent of our sin putting to death the old nature by the Spirit of the Lord working in us when we turn our lives over to Him, He will work in us and through us. When we have Christ in us, we need to live and act how Christ wants us to act. Jesus never shied away from speaking the Truth regardless of the issue. We should not too!

It is important to speak out against sin and the consequences of sin. It is also important to speak out regarding the remedy available to overcome our sin and be set right before the Lord. But it must be done gently as interacted with the women caught in adultery in John 8. It starts with Jesus Christ at the Cross of Calvary.

No matter what we have done or where we have been, Jesus speaks to us from His Word and has the answers for our Salvation. No sin can stop Jesus' love for you. Everyone needs to hear that spoken of. God's love in light of the cross needs to be spoken of too.

Speaking the Gospel is not limited to when everything is ok for us! No, on the contrary, the Gospel becomes that much more powerful in people's lives, when we speak out for Jesus Christ even when there is hardship, persecution, death, etc.

Followers of Christ spread through the persecution because people continued to flock to this Jesus they heard so much about that people were willing to die than reject who this Jesus is. I hope this devotional encourages you to speak out.

As you speak out, the Lord can also help you find favor with those who even do not agree with you. I know for I speak from experience friend.  May you take the opportunities the Lord gives you and speak out against immorality but with kindness remembering it is because of the Lord’s kindness that He gives us laws to protect us. More than anything may you speak out for what Jesus did for you.

Jesus will be your Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Wonderful Counselor, and Immanuel as you turn to Him even as you speak out being bold and strong.

BIBLE ACADEMY IV: NAMES OF JESUS
By Ramesh C. Reddy

Bible Academy's Instructor is the Prince of Peace
Who teaches his students, the value of peace
When we learn from Him, our lives will be full of peace
Wherever we are, whatever trials we face
Why? His Peace He gives you surpasses all understanding
What are the trials you face?, Turn to the Prince of Peace.

JN 14:27, ROM 5:1, 1 COR 1:3, PHIL 4:7

Bible Academy's Instructor is our caring Counselor.
Who is there for us always to counsel us and fill us with love.
When we turn to Him, He will soothe all our worries.
Wherever there is trouble in your life, He will be there for You.
Why? His personality's counseling troubled Souls.
Whatever your problems are, spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, financial etc He will counsel You.

PSALM 23, MK 10:21, JN 14:1, PSALM 37:7

Bible Academy's Instructor is our Mighty God
Who's mightier than our problems, filling us with spiritual might.
When we depend on Him, no situation will be impossible.
Wherever you're headed, no need to fear, God's might shall protect.
Why? Because He wants to instruct you on the best pathway of life.
Whatever you are faced with, put your faith in the Lord.

JN 6:18-19, MK 9:23, PSALM 32:8, MK 4:30-32

Bible Academy's Instructor is our Everlasting Father.
Who will always care for us, who we can pray to anytime.
When we seek Him with our whole Heart, void in us will be filled.
Wherever we have been, we can have new life in Christ with God, our Loving Father.
Why? Because He loves us so much, He wants what is best for us.
Whatever asked in prayer you will get according to His loving will.

MT 6:31-34, MT 7:7,8, ROM 6:3-11, GAL 2:11

Bible Academy's Instructor is so awesome and Wonderful.
Who takes all our burdens and cares upon Himself.
When we surrender our lives to Him, we can see His miracles.
Wherever there is sorrow, He can fill it with such joy.
Why, Because even in our sorrow, He has a plan for our life.
Whatever your pain or sorrow is, His Joy lies ahead.

PSALM 37:5, PSALM 73:23-25, JEREMIAH 29:11, MT 11:27:30

KEY VERSE FOR THIS ACADEMY: ISAIAH 9:6

“Savior Proclaims Everywhere Always Kindness!” (S.P.E.A.K)/”When do you speak out?”

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us so much. John the Baptist, spoke out against immorality even though it got him into trouble. Help us Oh Lord of our Salvation to speak out against immorality too. We live in a world where your laws are being shattered.  Even pastors are attacked verbally because they speak out from your Word.  It is not limited to them Lord. Please help us Lord! Save us Oh Lord, the God of our Salvation. Give us strength and help us to show kindness when we are speaking out whether through verbal or written communication. Thank you so much. Thank you for your Word and that you will show us favor even when we face wrath from others. Thank you for hearing us and answering us. Thank you for dying for our sin and coming back to life to save us. We acknowledge you as our Lord and Savior! In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

You may have doubts to surrender your life completely over to the Master and sign a blank page allowing Jesus to fill the blank page but remember Jesus loves you so much and no matter what is asked of you or happens, you are in His precious care for even death or martyrdom cannot take that away. The fruit that comes out of the experience of being with the Lord will impact many lives.

It starts with being willing to speak out for Jesus and surrendering to Him.  When we do that we can have confidence to sign the pledge in front of a witness:

"The pledge says, 'Lord Jesus, ANYTHING, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, I am ready!'

Signed ____________,  Date _________ "

"On the inside it says, MY DECISION

By signing the front of this card, today I decide that Jesus Christ is Lord and Master of my life. I no longer want to merely include God in my plans. I want God to include me in His plan, whatever that means, whatever the cost.

ANYTHING, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE

Witnessed by _______________"

I cannot do it on my own strength but the strength He gives me. I am comforted by the promises in Psalm 121 which is a favorite song of mine and Romans 8 which is a favorite chapter of mine.

May you be uplifted knowing Deliverer openly understands bringing total Salvation! Amen!

If you would like to invite Jesus Christ into your heart and make Him a daily part of your life, you can this very moment. You will never be alone. You can claim God's promises for you in the Bible and see them come true, before your eyes, in His wonderful timing. You don't have to wait for a special time to come to the Lord. You can come right now as you pray this prayer, meaning it in your heart and finding your new identity in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I am a sinner Lord. I am so sorry for my sins. I confess my sins to you. I confess the wrong things I have done and the times I messed up my own life. I need you Lord right now and in the years to come. I have gone my own way and have not found what only you can give me. You alone have the words of Eternal Life. You alone love me unconditionally for who I am. I thank you Jesus. Thank you for going to the cross for me, for dying for my sins, shedding your precious blood for me, so I can me made whole. I am covered by your blood Lord! I come as I am and  accept you Jesus into my heart. Please come into my heart Jesus. Please make my heart your home. Please live in me Jesus. Thanks Jesus for coming into my heart and living in me. Thank you for forgiving me of all my sins. Thank you for giving me a new identity in you. I acknowledge you as my Lord and Personal Savior as I believe in my heart that you died and came back to life to save me now and forever. I give myself to you and ask you to be in control of my life. Thank you Jesus through the  days, we can do things together. Thanks for being my Lord and Personal Savior. Thank you Jesus you have heard my prayer and answered me. Thanks Jesus for changing me and helping me through life's storms and winds. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!