They Took the Money

Daily Reading: Matthew 28

So they took the money and did as they were directed. (Matthew 28.15)

Devotional Thought: The guards at the tomb had been eyewitnesses of the resurrection, but greed overpowered their honor.  Avarice silenced their integrity.  Selfishness outweighed their principles.  Offered a chance to lie about the resurrection, they took it – for a profit.  These greedy guards were proof of what Jesus had said earlier: “neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead” (Luke 16.31).  Instead of turning from sin, these guards turned a profit!

In the Old Testament, we read how Esau sold his birthright for a little bit of stew (Genesis 25).  The New Testament describes him as profane for selling his birthright for a single meal (Hebrews 12.16, KJV).  I wonder what price we pay in order to please the well-placed and politically correct culture of our day.  “They took the money and did as they were directed.”

In order to keep government benefits, Christian couples are cohabitating instead of getting married.  In order to get government approval, religious organizations are selling their spiritual birthright for grants and licenses.  In order to maximize their profits, businesses owned and operated by Christians are bowing to regulatory pressure to accept things that are unscriptural.

Satan will always have a “better deal” to offer us.  He offered one to Adam and Eve, to “Eat and become like God.”  He offered one to Job, to “Curse God and die.”  He offered one to Jesus, to “Bow down and worship me.”  What deals are we willing to accept for momentary gain?

The guards took the money, but at a steep price.  Will you?

Prayer: Lord, I am a witness - by faith - of your life and resurrection.  Give me the courage to refuse any deal that would be a betrayal of my faith.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 97.1-7

1  The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! 2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 3 Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around. 4 His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory. 7 All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!