![[Drawing of the Magi appearing before Herod]](https://www.deankwilson.com/Blog_images/magi_before_Herod.jpg)
| 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, godless church members, and other godless individuals in the church who decided to try destroy me—without legitimate reason or just cause. It breaks my heart to admit that reality.
At the same time, I’m grateful and humbled to be able to say that in each case, without fail, God chose to protect me from the most damaging effects of these individual’s sinful attacks. Oh, I felt wounded and deeply hurt in my inner being, but certainly not destroyed.
There’s something about diligently striving to serve God for virtually one’s entire life that opens a person up to such attacks. But, God will always protect His own.
Pleases let me be very clear: I have long ago forgiven what was done to me. And, I have tried to guard myself to make certain what happened to me won’t happen to others under my watch. It’s one thing to attack me. It is quite another to attack someone else whom I have the power to protect.
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. Watch out for the leader who speaks ill of others. Don’s listen to the leader who speads lies or false rumors. Make certain that you demand information from first sources. Don’t allow jealous leaders to bring harm to the pastor of your church, or anyone else in your church, unless there is irrefutable proof of misconduct.
Let us constantly follow the instruction from Psalm 139:24:
…and see if there be any wicked way in me.
Then, relying on the unfailing leadership of the Holy Spirit, 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.
Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, December 10, 2015
