Great men of courage take the blows of prosecution, the denial of titles, the loss of pay, the refusal of contract, the separation from family and friends because they stand on high, moral ground. Muhammad did not run to Canada to avoid the draft or even arrest. He did not receive a “medical” exemption while playing college-level sports. He stood in his truth and satan be damned.
“Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, [s]atan: for it is written, [t]hou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. (Matthew 4:8-11)”
Taking the injection becomes “thou wilt fall down and worship me.” The devil tempted Jesus twice previously on Mt. Olivet each time taking the prophet higher, offering him more and each time having his devilish offer rejected. Evil satan has tempted with donuts, lottery money, a pizza, and teased that his injection is free. When has the devil ever given anything for free?
Jesus was a great athlete when he turned over their tables and tossed the money changers out of the temple. How much greater his moral strength when he scorned temptation and forced Satan to leave — “Get thee hence.”
God rewards those who are steadfast in their faith. We know this because no sooner did the devil leave, then “behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”
I am so glad these individuals have scorned temptation and taken the harder path for “narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13)
Here’s to the men of courage.
Here’s to the brave Kyrie Irving. Here’s to the steadfast Novak Djokovic. You have big shoes to fill. Thank you for standing up.
God knows who you are.