TOPIC: THE MORE DEADLY ENEMY WITHIN
Read Psalms 55:12-14
12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him.
13 But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance.
14 We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng.
MEMORISE: Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him (Matthew 26:49)
EXPOSITION
The Bible rhetorically asks, ‘Can two walk together unless they agree?’ (Amos 3:3) Today, two are walking and working together, smiling with one another, even eating together, without agreeing together, i.e. without being one in spirit and mind. Sometimes, those who are against you are the closest, appearing friendly to you. No wonder the Bible clarifies, ‘A man’s enemies are the men of his own household’ (Mic. 7:6b; cf. Matt. 10:36). We can therefore conveniently talk of enemies within.
The sages have observed that it is the enemy within that opens door for those without. God save us!
Many great men and women who would not have been captured or subdued by demonic men and women have easily been captured with the help of those within (their wives, husbands, children, closest associates, etc.) who have offered to betray them, on most cases, unsuspectingly.
The story of Samson and Delilah clearly illustrates the possibility and reality of betrayals by those thought to have loved the betrayed (Judg. 16:1f). It is easier for those who have deep information about a person to either lift up or bring him/her down. Be careful of who is having your life’s “computer’s password.” Avoid divulging sensitive information about yourself to people (1 Kgs 13:13-17). Only God can be trusted with two eyes closed. Be strong in the Lord, pray well, live holy, and be watchful, for a thief doesn’t enter a city without an accomplice.
It is worrisome today that there are dangerous enemies of the church right within the fold and on the altar too; arising from envy, love for position, money, etc. There are deceit and false relationship everywhere. Ugly end awaits all those who pretend to be friends of Jesus, but are actually His enemies.
May You not die like Judas the betrayer. So, change today, and change for the better.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, give me the grace of discernment to know ‘who is who’ wherever You put me.
2. O Lord, ward off every unfriendly friend around my family, my endeavours and me.
3. O Lord God of our fathers, turn the open and secret enemies of the Church, both within and without, against themselves, so that we will have peace to do Your work.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Psalms 121:8 – 131:3; 1 Corinthians 14:33 – 15:14
Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE
Remain blessed!