DON’T BE OFFENDED
READ: Mark 14:13-31
And Jesus saith unto them, all ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
Mark 14:27
Whenever God’s servants are attacked, there is a scattering and an offending of the sheep that takes place. It is important to overcome offences that occur in your life because of attacks on God’s precious servants. Jesus predicted that people would be offended because of what would happen to Him. If He were really such a good person, why would such things happen to Him?
Jesus exited the city of Jerusalem on a cross. He was whipped and beaten like a scoundrel and a villain. Few people cared to know the real truth. No one really was ready to stand up to face the authorities and prevent the injustice from being meted out to Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world.
Whenever there is trouble in a leader’s life, many people do not understand exactly what is happening. Some think he is guilty and some are confused. Many do not really care about what is happening.
For those who are real sticklers for righteousness, a leader’s troubles can tip them away and make them turn against their own leader. At different stages of the ministry, I have had conflicts with different people and experienced crises after crises. Each time, I noticed the hearts of the people had these three responses – some were confused, others believed the stories, and others did not believe any bad thing about me.
You will be surprised about how far from the truth the stories out there are. You will be amazed about the variant rumours that spread from talebearer to talebearer. Those who love you will never believe bad things about you. Do not be offended because a man of God you love and admire is under fire. It is normal and expected for God’s servants to go through fiery trials and temptations.