Today millions of people are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day; a day honoring the sacred Saint who brought Christianity to Ireland after serving there as a slave.
Legend has it that he drove snakes out of Ireland and used the Shamrock to explain the Trinity. There’s no evidence of him chasing serpents out of the country, it is believed that he exposed and exiled fraud and corruption from the nation.
He died serving God by establishing churches throughout Ireland. His story is a learning lesson for it means to be a true follower of Jesus and quite a contrast to the 21st century church!
- Suffering
- Humble
- Uncomfortable
Jesus suffered and lived a humble and uncomfortable life during His 33 years on earth. However, Jesus knew this world wasn’t His or our eternal home. Jesus warned His followers this world would hate them because it hated Him (John 15:18-25.) As we continue to celebrate Lent, we should remember that God’s people are called to follow the ways of God and not this corrupt world.
Jesus knew God’s people would suffer in this world (John 16:33.) Yet, God promises to comfort His people (Psalm 23:4, Matthew 5:4.) God’s Spirit comforts and guides His people because He knew many would be deceived by the temptations of this world.
Deception
It’s no wonder so many people choose to believe the lies of Satan and the false teachers of this world, no one wants to suffer.
The Bible is a book of hope, yet contains numerous stories of deception and betrayal. The curse on mankind began with the deception of Eve when she believed Satan’s lie of earthly greatness.
God‘s redemption plan to restore creation was fulfilled through the betrayal of one of the Disciples. Jesus was betrayed by one of His closest friends for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15.)
Unfortunately, Israel missed the Messiah, because they believed the lies of deception about their promised Savior. Of all people, Israel should’ve known better.
Mirmâ
The Hebrew word for deception in the Old Testament is Mirmâ and it can also mean false, treachery, or fraud.
Deception is a tragic part of Israel’s history. Moses explained about Adam and Eve in the garden and then Cain’s betrayal of Able also. During the Exodus, Israel tricked Aaron into making gods made of gold for them to worship.
Even Israel’s greatest King David tricked Uriah to cover David’s sin with Bathsha. Time and again God’s people bought the lies and ways of this world; earthly greatness and temporary pleasure over God’s eternal glory and everlasting love.
When Jesus arrived, He reminded Israel of what true greatness in the Kingdom of God is through the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12.)
- Blessed are the poor in spirit.
- Blessed are they that mourn.
- Blessed are the meek.
- Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.
- Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
- Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers.
- Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
Jesus taught that serving others is greatness in God’s kingdom. This world’s version of greatness is the opposite of true greatness!
Opposite
Deception always takes us away from God and His ways because it is the opposite of God. Jesus identified Satan as always being a liar and a murderer (John 8:44.) Satan deceived a third of the angels in heaven and they’re all exiled away from God here on earth.
Charles Spurgeon once said, “Saint Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland; Jesus drives the serpents out of your heart.” The Greek word for antichrist means the “opposite” of Jesus. We can still believe in God; yet live and act the opposite of Him, which is the spirit of antichrist!
- Proud
- Selfish
- Deceptive
The new motto of the G.O.P. has become Maga. Once again God’s people are being led astray by the promise of earthly greatness. However, the early church and Saints suffered like Jesus and changed the world.
God raised them because they humbled themselves (1 Peter 5:6.) The current G.O.P. and Maga are doing the opposite because they are full of Mirmâ!
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