Thursday, December 10, 2015

Such Treachery!

 

[Drawing of the Magi appearing before Herod]


“Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out
from them the exact time the star had appeared.”
—Matthew 2:7

The Bible contains love stories, battle tales, mysteries, drama, and even treachery. Notice these words from Matthew 2:7-8:

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

We know of course that Herod lied. He did not want to worship this baby who came as an already-crowned King. No! Herod wanted to kill Jesus.

Such treachery makes my blood run cold. Why, I haven’t ever experienced such treachery except—well, except within the church. That’s right, within the church.

The most singularly harmful experiences in my life have all been at the hands of godless pastors, godless elders, and other godless church leaders who decided to try destroy me—without legitimate reason or just cause.

I’m grateful and humbled to be able to say that in each case, God chose to protect me from the most damaging effects of their sinful attacks. Oh, I felt wounded, but certainly not destroyed.

There’s something about diligently striving to serve God for virtually one’s entire life that opens one up to such attacks. But, God will always protect His own.

I have long ago forgiven what was done to me. And, I have guarded myself to make certain what happened to me won’t happen to others under my watch.

Today, and every day, let’s determine to steer clear of any so-called “leaders” who bring a harmful and destructive spirit into our churches.

Let us constantly follow the instruction from Psalm 139:24:

“…and see if there be any wicked way in me.”

Then, let us praise God that He protects us from treachery, just as He sent His Son to Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod’s bloody sword.

 

Copyright © 2015 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.