We Shall Do What We Did Aforetime!

Many questions have been asked about the demand the City of Houston has made. Unless there is a turn of heart, the climate in the city of Houston may become uncomfortable for Bible-believing Christians.
Today with all the turmoil swirling around our great city and suburbs, I am thinking of the rich history of the formation of Texas. There is a unity of the faith and formation of our great state that cannot be denied. In his later years Sam Houston for whom the city of Houston was named gave his heart to Christ and was baptized by the pastor of the Baptist Church in Independence. I have stood by Rocky Creek where Sam Houston was baptized by Pastor Rufus Burleson. Sam Houston was best friends with Judge R.E.B. Baylor. I was blessed to recently read the personal letters between Baylor and Houston. These two men would take long trips together and talk late into the night of the things of God and the Bible. Houston became as strong a contender for the faith as he was for Texas independence. The one thing Houston and Baylor never wanted for Texas was independence from God. These men believed in dependence upon God.

I am grieved when I see anyone in leadership, whether civil or ecclesiastical, moving away from the time honored values of God’s Word. We need to remember the Lord declares, “For I am the LORD, I change not…” (Malachi 3:6). “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein” (Jeremiah 6:16).

I am being asked what shall we do. I find my answer in the Word of God. Daniel 6:10 says, “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” The key is found in those words, “…as he did aforetime.” When the order had been given that no one could pray to God, only petitions could be made to the king, Daniel did not fret, he did not worry, he simply did what he did aforetime. Although it eventually placed him onto the lion’s den, to God be the glory he was delivered. Our message is right. Our Master has not changed. We shall do what we did aforetime.