20 Apr 2026
"Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together.
“What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”"
~ John 11.45-48 NLT
Looking at the condition of people's hearts, it is conceivable that the same argument can repeat. If "everyone will believe in him", it will destroy some group's profitable way of life and they will do everything in their power to counter that. Their self-preservation takes priority over God's commission.
Satan gets blamed all the time, but in reality he works through willing hearts - through people who think of their interests more important than God's interests. Even here and now.
Not so with me, Lord
please make me your faithful instrument
to serve your purpose
"Jesus came and told his disciples, 'I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations ...'"
~ Matthew 28.18-19 NLT