 |
 |
Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
"One of Our Own"
The news was not good. In fact, it was the worst kind of news. One of our own had turned against us. At first it was hard to believe that one of our own soldiers would intentionally bring harm to his fellows. But he did.
Lack of respect for home and countrymen; betrayal of trust; damage and injury to associates; failure to appreciate the blessings of citizenship—guilty of all!
We learn early in our education that some have been willing to betray their trust. History classes told us of Benedict Arnold, and the word “traitor” is virtually a synonym for his name. Spies and those who provided information to their nation’s enemies are becoming commonplace in history books. The “cold war” fostered such betrayal on many fronts. During the development of the first atomic weapons, some in our own nation were known to have given government secrets to our enemies. In the last decade of the twentieth century, our own FBI found several traitors in their midst who betrayed their country, and shame came to them and their families. What brings a person to such a point in his/her life? Why would someone betray their homeland and their own people?
The answers are many and varied. Some were tempted by money. Others are known to have done so because of threats to them or their family. Some became disgruntled by the leadership of their nation or community. Some were angry at perceived slights against them or their work. Whatever their motive, treason and betrayal have had a vital impact upon nations and upon individuals.
The Bible tells of some who betrayed their fellows. David betrayed a trusted soldier by taking his wife and his life, 2 Samuel 11-12. In his youth, John Mark abandoned an evangelistic journey, causing friction between Paul and Barnabas. Happily, John Mark was salvaged, and he was eventually chosen to write one of the accounts of Jesus’ life. Paul spoke of a former companion, Demas, saying he “has forsaken me, having loved this present world,” 2 Timothy 4:10. For thirty pieces of silver Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss, Matthew 26. Christ promised His disciples that their behavior as Christians would eventuate in some of them being betrayed by friends and family, Luke 21:16. Yes, treachery has haunted the lives of many.
Acts of betrayal are far more devastating than the deeds of an avowed enemy. We know Satan is our adversary, and we are alert to his devices. But when a friend or family member forsakes us, the ramifications are not easily overcome. Such actions in the past have had far-reaching effects, including the deaths of many.
Spiritual betrayal can have even more serious consequences, for they are eternal in nature. The Holy Spirit inspired a warning that “perilous times” were ahead, and that some would “depart from the faith,” that some would be “traitors,” 2 Timothy 3:1-9 and
2 Timothy 4:1-3.
When Paul spoke to the elders of the church at Ephesus, He gave this stern warning:
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them,” Acts 20:28-30.
From among the very ones commissioned to oversee the welfare of God’s people, some would arise and betray them. It is hard to imagine how one could do so, but the Bible prophesied it, and history records the truth of that prophecy. Much of the division in the religious world has come from that very betrayal.
Sure enough, from history books themselves comes the sad record of those who spoke “perverse” things— things that contradict the gospel of Christ. Some sought to “draw away” men and women to their own way instead of remaining true to Christ. Though their oversight was limited to the “flock of God which is among you,” 1 Peter 5:1-3, men arose who took upon themselves power that Christ never authorized. They betrayed the very One they claimed to serve. That betrayal originally came from “one of our own.”
We are aware of the sad consequences of that one who sought to take the lives of his comrades in the present war in the Middle East. Families and friends have suffered loss because of him. Each of us in the Lord’s church must be alert to and willing to speak out against any form of departure from the faith. By so doing you may “save both yourself and those who hear you,” 1 Timothy 4:16.
|
|
|
|
“All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.”
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon,”
“It is better to suffer wrong than to do it; and happier to be sometimes cheated than never to trust.”
|
|
|
|
|
The War in Iraq: What Should Christians Do?
This past week our nation, with the “coalition of the willing,” went into the nation of Iraq to change the regime and remove the weapons of mass destruction. We all know the intense emotions which this action has caused. What should the Christian do?
First, we need to recognize that the church cannot and should not engage in political activities. This article is not intended to support or oppose the action in Iraq. Our work will be affected in varied ways by these events, but our work is affected by all world events to some degree.
Second, each one needs to respond in ways consistent with Biblical teaching. And again, this is to be applied to all actions and not just the current circumstances. The Lord commands us to be in subjection to the powers that be: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God,” Romans 13:1 NKJ. This means we must continue to obey our laws. A Christian cannot be faithful to this instruction and be involved in what some call “civil disobedience,” regardless of strong feelings of either support or opposition.
We are also instructed concerning our speech, for 2 Peter 2:9-11 tells us: “….the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.” Our “freedom of speech” guaranteed by our Constitution does not overwrite the Lord’s warnings on speaking against authority. We need to speak with caution and even watch what slogans we wear or display. “Speaking” is done in ways beyond the spoken and written word.
Brethren, each of us has a judgment on current events. Even in those political events in which we may disagree, let us remember that we serve the King of kings. Let us follow His commands. Indeed, we are the salt of the earth! (Matthew 5:13).
Greg Weston
Ashland, Oregon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
