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Theme: THE TRIAL OF OUR FAITH
Text: “For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” – Isaiah 9:16.
Comment: When those being led are not circumspect, they risk being led astray to indulge in false worship. The faith of some become weakened when leaders whom they look up to indulge in unwholesome practices. The fact is iniquity or evil practices will be commonplace in the world especially in this period of the last days. The Scripture says; “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:12,13) Knowing that leaders are targets of Satan’s attacks, as well as being human and fallible, we should covet the virtue of forbearance, patience, tolerance and wisdom in drawing their attention to perceived wrong doings.
Furthermore, the advice given to the Jews during the first advent of Christ is instructive, as he cautioned the natural Jews not to emulate the wrong examples of religious leaders who do not practice what they preach. “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, saying, the scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” – Matthew 23:1-3.