Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Consecrate Them in the Truth

Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter
I know that after my departure savage wolves will come among you, and they will not spare the flock. And from your own group, men will come forward perverting the truth to draw the disciples away after them. Acts 20:29-30
”Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”  John 17:17-10
Piety
The young girl dancing to the latest beat
Has found new ways to move her feet
The young man speaking in the city square
Is trying to tell somebody that he cares
Yeah, the ones that you're calling wild
Are going to be the leaders in a little while
This old world's wakin' to a new born day
And I solemnly swear that it'll be their way
You better help the voice of youth find
"What is truth?”
Study
Paul must realize how odd his words sound.  He readily admits that for three years, he was the one blazing a trail of tears.  Now, Paul/Saul is the one warning about the wolf in sheep’s clothing, the false prophet who will come to divide the community and tempt the followers off the path of truth.
Jesus must realize how final his words sound.  For three years, he has been there leading his followers to the way of truth.  Soon, he will depart and they will be on their own.  Jesus also knows that the way of the world will come to divide and destroy the community.
Men and women will come forward from Madison Avenue, from Wall Street, from Hollywood, from K Street, from even Main Street who will show a different way.  An easy way.  A wealthy way.  A tempting way. 
The temptation will not always come in the form of violence.  The temptation will disguise the truth.  The temptation will look easy.  But Jesus and Paul and the prophets never promised easy.  They only promised life.  Nothing important in life is easy.
Action
This week, there is a story in the news about four cancer charities which bilked donors out of an alleged $187 million. 
Before you give to any charity, do your research.  Watchdog groups like CharityWatch, Charity Navigator and GuideStar can be sources to help you make sure your money goes to legitimate organizations and not just to “false prophets.” 
Do the research.  Be prudent.  Make good choices.  However, do not let these wolves (aka crooks) discourage you from giving to legitimate charities that do good work.See More


No comments: