Nougat 23

There are multiple sides to any situation. Today’s Holy Nougat has several facets and of course several lessons. Chew carefully.

“They sent some of their disciples, along with the supporters of Herod, to meet with him. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You teach the way of God truthfully. You are impartial and don’t play favorites.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Even when they play us false, there is a Word for us. It’s neither new nor strange. They did it to the prophets, they did it to the Messiah, they did it to the apostles. It should be no surprise that they do it to us. It is cause for Hope as we recognize that any trial faced by Y’shua that is recorded serves to strengthen and to encourage us.

But first, we examine what happened.

In one sense, the words uttered are true and encouraging. And that’s good. But our suspicion is aroused by the speakers. They were not there in Peace. They were hand-picked by Jesus’ detractors – the religious elite – reason enough to be suspicious. We know without a doubt that their motives were overriding their words and actions.

But look at the words, all references to integrity and truth. A reminder that talk about integrity does not make one honest. Just as Baptism doesn’t make any of automatically saved. Salvation is a way of life – eternal life in fact. It’s often been misrepresented by us, as we attempt to speak for God. The difference is – our motives are usually aligned to our desire to honor God. Those commentators were not.

So when we feel strongly about an issue or person, how do we respond? Are we wholly set on ruining the opponents at the expense of our integrity? It’s not too late to shift.

There’s a somewhat redeeming aspect of their behavior though: their loyalty to their leadership. In obedience and with respect to the power and status of the Teachers of the Law, Chief Priests and Herod; they were prepared to trap Jesus. Will we obey our Sovereign in seemingly impossible circumstances? Are we open to suffering for the sake of the Gospel? How important is obeying our Sovereign, are there limits to our faithfulness?

—

May all we seek be found in Christ