Matthew 28:11-15 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.
And so it continues today. You are lied to constantly. You are deceived about me, about my word, about the truth of what is happening in your world at the hands of your enemy. You are deceived by your leaders, by your media, by many of those who swore to serve you, to protect you. Bribes come in many forms: money, power, position, fame, popularity. All who lie to you have been bribed in some fashion. Today, many are bribed by assurances of safety. Yet, all are lies. All are designed and executed to keep you from me, from my Word, and from each other. You are stronger than all of them. You are stronger yet when you are together. Keep meeting with fellow believers. Keep praying. Keep worshipping. All of these things make you stronger and stronger. Your enemy knows this. Why else does he try to divide you? Why else try to keep my houses of worship closed? Why else keep you apart? Never forget this: your strength comes from me. Stay close. (2022)
Amanuensis 