Good morning! One of the hardest things we may face is a battle against words. Especially, when you are trying to figure out if something is true or if someone lied. Today, we will read about a lie that was crafted and sealed by a bribe. Join me as we continue our reading in Matthew chapter 28.

Bible Verse – Matthew 28:11-15 NLT

“¹¹ As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. ¹² A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe.¹³ They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’¹⁴ If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” ¹⁵ 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.”

Reflection

According, to historical accounts if a soldier allowed for a prisoner to escape or fell short of their duties, they were often put to death. By taking the bribe, and fabricating a lie the guards would be protected from being killed, but it was at the cost of accepting payment to be dishonest.

Unfortunately, today we see, read, and hear about dishonesty, and we are often surprised by how many people believe untruths. Sometimes they don’t want to believe the truth, they are fearful of what will happen if the truth was told, and for many other reasons deception continues to grow. Satan is the author of deception. The one thing that I’ve learned over time is that the truth will always come to light.

Thank God, that Jesus is the truth and the light. He exposes everything the devil/Satan tries to cover up and steal. Thank God that the women had the courage to share the truth with the disciples.

Take courage today, sisters and brothers, and speak the truth in love and in trust – that God will honor you as you stand in truth. Don’t be distraught or discouraged – the Lord will fight for you.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for another day. Thank you for going to the cross for us. Lord, your love covers a multitude of sins and we are so grateful that you are the one who forgives and restores. Lord, forgive us of our sins (known and unknown). Give us courage and wisdom to walk away from the things that cause us to sin. Lord, help us to walk in your truth. Help us to turn away from temptations that don’t align with your will or desire for us. Lord, give us discernment to know truth from a lie. Lord, help us to be godly examples of your love and truth wherever we go today. Lord, rebuild our lives and relationship with you. Keep us hungry for your word and discernment.

Lord, continue to heal those in need of healing. Touch us and guide us as we look to you for spiritual renewal, to cover our finances, to provide mental stability and wellness, and strengthen our physical bodies. Lord, go before us, bind the enemies attempt to destroy us and our credibility, and give us favor in the things we do today.

Lord, be with those who have been lied on, who have been deceived, and those who are struggling to share the truth and walk in it. Lord, cover them and guide them. Lord, defend them and stand in the gap. Lord, shine a spotlight on the truth and set us free from the darkness of lies and those who try to destroy the truth. In Jesus name, amen.

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