When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’” Matthew 28:12-13
Wait a minute. Aren’t these the same men who were calling Jesus a deceiver? It’s interesting how men become what they criticize when it suits their purpose; how they can rationalize that it’s okay for them to do it but not someone else. While alive, Jesus called them hypocrites. My, how they are living up to that very name.
What is even more disheartening is that this saying becomes commonly reported among the Jews. This wasn’t just to keep the soldiers out of trouble, but to discredit everything Jesus had taught. Did it work? Maybe to a certain extent as there were Jews who did not believe in the resurrection and that is disheartening. However, the work of God is never thwarted by lies. There is about to be a spiritual awakening so much bigger than these schemers could have ever imagined. And, there is nothing they can do to stop it.
Dear deceitful men, you are about to really see the mighty hand of God at work.
Prayer:
Holy, powerful, mighty God, there have been many who have tried to hinder Your plans by lies and deceit, but time and time again You have shown that You are mightier than the schemes of men. It breaks my heart when people believe those lies and are led astray from the truth of Christ’s resurrection. But, I know You send Your angels and saints out in the midst of these deceivers to battle against their evil ways. What hope we have as Your people in Jesus’ resurrection. Show us how to defeat the enemy so that we can be effective in drawing others to the spiritual awakening found in Christ Jesus. Amen!
Truth in love,
Heather
Truth in Love 