THE MADNESS OF FOLLY

2 Peter 2:15-16 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey--a beast without speech--who spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness. (NIV)

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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages

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While a few people are intentionally evil, most do not set out to be wicked. This probably applies to the well meaning politician, the ambitious professional, the hard-working trader, and the compassionate spiritual leader. Yet many dabble in sin, are entertained by evil and consider alternatives to truth. This is because human nature is perverse and instinctively resistant to God and His Truth. So, along with everybody else, we are all tempted to play with fire. But 'going wrong', is rarely a sudden climactic event; it is the end point of a process that starts when we wander from the right way.

Of course there needs to be a reason to tempt us into sin (cf James 1:13-15). Peter uses the remarkable story of Balaam to illustrate his point that wandering off the right path leads to disaster unless stopped: in this case by a talking donkey! If you do not know the story, read it in Numbers 22:1-38 - it is one of the most ironic and amusing episodes in the Old Testament! But Peter gets under the skin of Balaam's character by highlighting his weak point; he "loved the wages of wickedness". In other words, as the 'high' or 'buzz' rewards the drug-taker and money rewards the thief, so every sin has an attractive outcome. That may only last for a moment, or may be overtaken by disaster; but the pull is strong enough for the temptation to be fatal (cf Rom 6:23a).

In God's mercy, Balaam (who was tempted to take money in exchange for cursing Israel) was rebuked by a talking donkey that could see God's way better than the false prophet. Sometimes God does intervene in unique ways to prevent us going off track (as in the Damascus road experience Acts 9:1-6); but far better when we choose to stay close to the Lord and not to wander. However well we have run in the past, keeping right still depends on our willingness to submit to God's Word. Failure to read, reflect on the scriptures and live obediently to them will inevitably induce spiritual instability. That spiritual wobble will make it impossible to steer a course straight towards Jesus. When that happens, a personal catastrophe looms ahead: if it happens to a teacher, many others are dragged off course too, and the judgement is more severe (cf James 3:1). So we need to keep coming back to the Scriptures and praying for those who presently refuse to do so.

Prayer: Father God. As You welcome home all the prodigals who repent, please help me to live close to You and desire to stay on Your pathway. I pray for those of my friends, family and colleagues who cannot see the folly of wandering off from You. Please bring them to repentance and faith, and help me to set them a good example. For the sake of the honour and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in His Name. Amen.

GOD KNOWS

When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless efforts...
God knows how hard you have tried.

When you've cried so long and your heart is in anguish...
God has counted your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by...
God is waiting with you.

When you're lonely and your friends are too busy even for a phone call...
God is by your side.

When you think you've tried everything and don't know where to turn...
God has a solution.

When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated...
God has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope...
God has whispered to you.

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for...
God has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe...
God has smiled upon you.

When you have a purpose to fulfill and a dream to follow...
God has opened your eyes and called you by name.

Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are facing...
GOD KNOWS!!!
Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over it became a
butterfly'..
GOD KNOWS!!!

If you want something you have NEVER had, you have got to DO something you
have NEVER DONE!!!

By Florence Mulengeka

ARROGANCE AND SLANDER

2 Peter 2:10b-11 Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. (NIV)

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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages

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Slander, the false statement that maliciously ruins reputations, does not stalk alone. Its associate is the heart-attitude of arrogance. Arrogant people think that they have the right to exalt themselves by speaking ill of others. Wherever you see one of these ugly companions, the other is lurking nearby; both are dangerous and neither can be trusted. Today's verse shows that there is no limit to the authorities which such people will try to topple by their bad-speaking. As with every evil act, there is no satisfaction in being 'a little bad', and without repentance, sin will escalate until it engulfs its perpetrators.

It is not clear who are the 'celestial beings' in this passage. Of the possibilities of church members, church leaders, good angels or fallen angels it is the latter that seems to fit the context best. The false teachers have presumed to make accusations about them before God's throne (as Satan does in Rev 12:9-10). It may seem ludicrous that they would dare to try to get believers, angels or demons in trouble with God; but arrogance knows no bounds, and rebellion craves recognition - even from God. But by contrast, the loyal angels do not even whisper any complaint in God's presence. They know the truth of Deut 32:35 and Heb 10:30 where God says, "It is mine to avenge, I will repay".

Alas, the false teachers who have invaded the church over the centuries understand no such respect; they destroy the reputations of the wise in order to establish their own authority. Powerful and plausible they may be, but when motivated by arrogance they will express themselves in slander, and try to tear down what God wants to build up. The secular versions can be found in every company and profession; they will be found out eventually, but meanwhile they are to be pitied and prayed for - that they may find Christ. But the church needs strong and Godly leadership to identify these spiritual posers, and ensure that they do not have the limelight they seek. So, as well as praying for the arrogant at work, also pray that your church leaders will know how to deal with the malicious slanderers within the church. In the end, the Lord will deal with both.

Prayer: Almighty God. Although it would be nice to think that everybody around me is reasonable and trustworthy, I know that is not so. I now pray for those whose arrogance seems unlimited, and who have no fear of anybody or even of Your authority. Please bring them to repentance and faith, before they face Your judgement. And please give wisdom and courage to my spiritual leaders so that they may guard the flock against the arrogant slander of those who seek to gain influence in the church. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.