Crying Uncle

Years ago two young men engaged in angry combat would come to a point where the one having twisted the other’s arm behind his back would demand, “Say uncle and I will let you go.” A decision had to be made by the one losing the battle. Some immediately cried uncle. Others would hold out, taking the pain until they could finally take it no longer. A few, however, never gave up no matter how excruciating the pain became. They would not give in and say, “Uncle.”

Through our history we have examples of men and women who would not cry uncle. We are about to celebrate another anniversary of our nation’s independence. We can do so because of the untold number of men and women from 1776 to this day who refused to give in to those who wanted to destroy us. It is because of these brave people that we are able to celebrate with pride.

The Bible is full of examples of men and women who refused to say uncle: Moses, Joshua, Daniel, the Old Testament prophets, the New Testament heroes of the the faith who grew the early church. These men and women suffered great persecution even unto death, but they never cried uncle. The Apostle Paul was probably the greatest of these heroes. Paul was determined to obey God even if it meant his death. In Acts 18:9 God spoke to him saying, “Do Not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. (Or do not cry Uncle) For I am with you…”

Paul was never silent. He held the name of Jesus in such high regard that he would let nothing or no one stop him from sharing the gospel. Eventually, Paul was silenced by those who had him put to death. I wonder how many of us today are determined to never cry uncle for the cause of Jesus Christ? How many are willing to suffer and even die if necessary so that others might be saved? I believe God is looking for Christians today who will pick up the mantle of those great heroes who have been our examples, and tell others about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. And when we encounter those who want to silence us pinning our arms behind our backs may we never cry uncle, but continue to speak the name of Jesus.