Do you realise that the type and quality of life you live is the type and quality of friends as well as foes that will come your way? On this 13th day of our Lenten observance the Lord calls us to evaluate our relationship circles. This evaluation is important as the bible tells us ‘watch the ground under your feet and your ways will be secure (Prov 4, 26). For this reason we need to tread with caution and wisdom, not losing guard because the quality of persons around us determines how fast or slow our journey will be. But many ask: how can I separate true friends from foes? Now listen: your greatest enemy is within your circle, not far from you. If you are in doubt, read slowly…
Jeremiah 18: 18-20
Come on,’ they said, ‘let us concoct a plot against Jeremiah; the priest will not run short of instruction without him, nor the sage of advice, nor the prophet of the word. Come on, let us hit at him with his own tongue; let us listen carefully to every word he says.’ Listen to me, O Lord, hear what my adversaries are saying. Should evil be returned for good? For they are digging a pit for me. Remember how I stood in your presence to plead on their behalf, to turn your wrath away from them.
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
1. Child of God, Prophet Jeremiah’s predicament teaches us that our greatest enemy is within our circles- family, friends, colleagues, church, club, etc. The plotters of Jeremiah are his fellow ministers: prophets and priests- those you would ordinarily call his ‘colleagues in the ministry’. As they work for the same Divine Master (God), one would expect that their thoughts, mission and purpose should align and not contradict. Unfortunately, those who should be his greatest support are the pioneers of his downfall. See their accusations: they used his teachings against him. He thinks, they say, he is the only one that knows how to preach well or prophesy. What a wicked world we live in!
2. Don’t ask me why would somebody begin to conceal evil thoughts about you. Listen! The thoughts of the enemy is never rational but springs from jealousy and envy. Irrational thoughts and actions is the hallmark of his mind, as the bible says in Proverbs 4:16:
They (evil persons) do not sleep unless they have done evil; they cannot sleep unless they have caused someone’s downfall. Wickedness is their bread and violence their wine.
3. Knowing the poisonous and deadly effects of jealousy and envy to a community, Jesus warns his Apostles to desist from such indignance lest they destroy themselves over arguments of who seats on his right and left in the Kingdom of heaven (Matt 20:17-28). He tells them:
This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many
TASK: Fear not Child of God and remain focused and undistracted by the adversary as you journey with the Lord. Believe the word of God for you that says: you will look and see how the wicked are repaid (Ps 91:8).
‘let the wicked fall into their own traps while you pass in safety; and like a bird you shall escape from the snares of your enemies (Ps 124:7), in Jesus name. Amen
