27/11/2018 - IRRESPONSIBLE BETRAYERS

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Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, Acts 7:52

The apostle Stephen paid with his life for having spoken the Truth.  The spirit of betrayal is one of the weapons used by the devil to harm, silence and try to finish the work of God. In all the ministries, there are records of people who allowed themselves to be led by this kind of demon, presenting themselves as candidates for eternal suffering. Envy, the guilt of not having done what should have been done and other important and filthy motives lead many to want to be what God had not desired or planned.

While Israel wandered through the desert, Moses faced sedition of Korah, Dathan and Abiram, greater in the congregation, against him and Aron. They were so deceived by the enemy that they joined up against those whom God had appointed to lead His people, saying: “You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?” (Numbers 16:3). This was pure deception from the devil, and their end was even sadder: they were swallowed up alive by the earth (Numbers 16:33).

The other unfortunate episode was Miriam’s, Moses’ sister, revolt, who took the advantage of the fact that he had married a foreign woman to occupy his position. Aaron who was with Moses in position of leadership, being his spokesman (Exodus 4: 10-16), allied himself to Miriam who forgave his ambition, condemning Moses’ marriage. Due to this, she became leprous and had to spend one week out of the limits of the camp (Numbers 12:10-14).

One of David’s sons did not listen to the counsel of God and tried to work justice through his own hands, killing his half -brother who had abused his sister. Then he showed what was in him, and rebelled against his own father, shaming him publicly and taking his kingdom from him. But he found a tree branch that hung him between earth and sky (read chapter 13 through 18 of 2nd Samuel). Poor boy! Why did he not accept the position that had been planned for him by God?

Jeroboam seemed to be the solution for Israel, who weakened under the kingdom of Solomon. For a long time, he conspired to take the kingdom and managed to do this in the days of Rehoboam, who was weak of the mind. However, as soon as he divided the nation, he made two golden calves and demanded his subjects adore them. This was the tribute to the devil for having used him to create the Northern kingdom, that was later dissolved and taken captive and never again existed ( read chapter  11 through 13 of 1st Kings). How will he end up at Judgment Day?

Those who are not watchful and careful will be convinced by the devil that they too are anointed and can do His work as they well please. The Word of God says that those who isolates himself acts in his own interest and desire and not on a revelation from the Lord. A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;

He rages against all wise judgment  (Proverbs 18:1). When the Almighty lays His eyes of fire on the rebellious and questions the reason for his revolt, what will he say?

The damage caused by the rebels against God’s work is very big.  In Judgment they will see what awaits them. Jesus said it was inevitable that scandals occurred, but woe to those who caused one believer in Him to stray. (Matthew 18:7) Any kind of sedition will lead many lives to Hell, and the guilty will reap the consequences.

In Christ, with Love, 

R. R. Soares