Devotion 8.25.16

A movie that came out this summer that was purely interesting was titled "The Infiltrator."  Bryan Cranston played a US Customs agent who works (infiltrates) his way into the Pablo Escobar hierarchy in order to gain evidence of what was largely assumed.  Authorities knew, but had no proof of Escobar's role in murder, drug trade, political payoff and influence buying, and an assortment of kidnapping and other lesser crimes.  Cranston's character weaves his way deeper into the organization in some perilous situations that were tense to say the least. 

Such is the life of a spy as we see it.  Infiltrate, convince the actors in the organization you are genuine, and dive into the role to the point of no return doing what it takes to get the information you need. 

The dramatic twists of spies finds its way into scripture on several occasions, but an interesting turn takes place in Luke as the chief priests and scribes seek ways to "lay hands on him" (find evidence against him).  In Luke 20, Luke notes that "they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor." (v 20)  Interesting that Luke notes "pretended to be sincere."  The upcoming moment in this passage is the question of paying taxes to Caesar (v 21 - 22).

In our own sinful lives as members of the body of Christ, when am I a believer serving Christ in humility, and when am I a spy appearing to be sincere but having another agenda entirely?  The answer is that regardless of our intent, it is Christ's church, and his word is victorious regardless of our motives.  In the account in Luke, he makes this apparent in a moment of brilliance as he asks them to give him a coin (showed they carried money), asks whose likeness is on the coin, and then answers to give to Caesar what is his and give to God what is God's (v 24 - 26).

Pray that we serve our Lord in humility and in sincerity, and pray a prayer of thanksgiving that regardless of our motives, God's will is done.

Hope Men's Ministry