BEWARE!
As they were crossing the lake, Jesus warned them, “Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod.” —Mark 8:15
Watch out for those who have a “religious” veneer whether they are from the religious community or government community. There are those who claim they are followers of God, but they only use this claim to fortify their power positions. Jesus warned His followers to beware of their teaching (Mark 16:12). Plain and simply there are liars in both communities who will say what they need to with the express purpose to hold their positions. Jesus warned us to “Watch out” for the teaching of these people.
Remember when Jesus was born? King Herod had gathered “together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born” (Matthew 2:4). “Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him” (Matthew 2:7-8). Herod made it look like he was truly interested in finding the Child so he too could go and worship the Child, but his intent was actually to kill Him (Matthew 2:16).
Brothers and sisters, we are in spiritual war and Satan will send his “ministers of righteousness” into all arenas to oppose the people of God. Beware; do not be deceived by the religious community or government community. Let us be about our Father’s business in sharing the Lord Jesus Christ with people and making disciples wherever the Lord may lead us to do so. Yes, let us be faithful in the work He has called His church to. May it be so.
Dear Father, please help us not to get sidetracked from that which You have called each of us to. May we be about Your work by the power of the Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus.