Happy Friday. It’s February 18th, 2022. Today we step into the darker side of the human heart. Religious leaders plotted to ice out Paul because they feared his influence. This is a relevant case study in wise leadership. Don’t miss it. If you do, it could open the door to naïveté, and you may be quite surprised at who will walk in. Read on …
Today's Reading:
Numbers 3,4; Acts 25
Scripture
“They requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.” (Acts 25:3)
Observation
I am amazed at the religious leaders of those days — although they held positions of prominence, it didn’t necessarily mean their motives were pure. They made (what appeared on the surface) a benign request of Festus. However, the underlying motive was that they planned to lay in wait and ambush Paul along the way. This was a second attempt to ambush Paul; the first is found two chapters earlier. At the behest of the religious leaders, 40 men had bound themselves with a death wish aimed at Paul. These were not foreign mercenaries. They were most likely religious Jews who thought they were doing God a favor by ridding themselves of this man.
Application
Every leader, every shepherd, cannot be naïve to the dangers of predators with silver tongues and dubious hearts. Paul displays his caution when advising his young protégé, Timothy: “Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.” (2 Tim. 4:14)
I cannot be so gullible as to believe that everyone’s motives are pure and unpretentious; neither can I develop a mistrusting heart toward those who differ. However, I have had several past experiences with Christian leaders who came with convincing words and underlying spurious or self-serving motives. Therefore, I must be aware and cautious while not allowing myself to become overly suspicious of everyone’s motives.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You were always aware of what was in the hearts of men, but it never derailed You from Your assignment. You knew that even Your disciples were predisposed to self-serving ideals, yet You still called them to Your side. Please teach me to stay fixed upon Your purposes, wise in relationships, and remain teachable … but not gullible.
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