SUNDAY 15 May, 2016
Espionage
Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” - 2 Samuel 15:10
Absalom puts the finishing touches to his plan of treachery in motion. He already knows the hearts of the men were with him. So his next strategy was to send spies, to spread the word, that as soon as they heard the trumpet, Absalom should be declared king by them. It is amazing to me, after all David had done for the nation of Israel, how easily they betrayed him. How easily changed were these men’s loyalty!
Joshua and Caleb were also spies. They were sent to spy out the land of Canaan with ten other leaders. As they returned, they gave their reports on the land to the children of Israel. Although Joshua and Caleb stood strong in their faith and encouraged the people to take the land God was giving to them, the other spies gave an evil report and caused the people to fear the giants who lived there. Their fear influenced the multitudes of people to become faithless (Numbers 13).
Another strategy to influence the crowds was when Christ stood bloody and beaten before the crowds. Pilate could release one prisoner to them either: Barabbas, a known murderer, or Christ who went about doing good towards the people. The Pharisees, the religious leaders, incited the crowds to choose the criminal and crucify Christ who was innocent; He had committed no wrong doing (Matthew 27:15-22).
Notice how crowds of people can become affected by just one or a few evil or fearful men! As Christians, we should never cave into pressure but stand our ground and be loyal to the King of kings! Jesus Christ our Lord!
When under extreme pressure do you follow the crowd?
Men are as loyal as their options.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
