The Word of the Lord is clear:  “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake:  but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”  (Matthew 10:22 KJV)

As we move deeper into these last days, one thing will be clear, as difficult as it may be to believe.  We should trust no flesh.  Anyone, even your closest friend or companion, may betray you.

If you have ever watched the “A Thief In The Night” film series (“A Thief In The Night” was, by the way, voted the top-rated Christian film of the 20th century), you may have a good understanding of to what I am referring.

When the choice is put before you by AntiChrist, to either accept the Mark of the Beast (which will enable you to buy food and other items necessary for your very existence), or not, then know also that many may secretly take the mark, without your knowledge, and may then betray you and turn you in to evil men for execution.  While pretending to love you or to, in fact, be a Christian, those you trust may betray you in order to save their own necks, although in the end, they will suffer eternal damnation because they will feel that their stomachs are more important than a committed relationship with Jesus Christ.

Over a lifetime, God has shown me that this is true.  As a firmly committed believer in Jesus Christ, I have found myself betrayed over and over again, by people I trusted and cared about.  And I could never figure out what I did to deserve it, until the Lord brought my attention to Matthew 10:22 and John 15:18-21.  Our world reveals to us that it hates anyone who believes and is committed to Jesus Christ.  Many believers are persecuted daily in countries throughout the world, and soon American Christians will have to face the same thing, in a big big way.

Most recently, a friend I trusted wholeheartedly and loved betrayed me, just to build herself up, to make herself feel important.  God revealed this to me, and I was shocked, believing this person would never betray me.  But God repeatedly confirmed that what He was telling me was true.  And observing the person’s behavior when around told me that, yes, it was indeed true.  The fact that this person is now avoiding me speaks volumes about her guilt in the matter as well.

As a sinner, I have never claimed to be perfect.  I have my own faults and weak areas where I struggle.  If someone judges me based on some adverse word or behavior, then that means they must believe themselves to be perfect when, in fact, we all know otherwise.  We are all sinners, which is why we should judge no one.  Only Jesus Christ lived a perfect life here on Earth.  And all of us struggle with our own areas we wish we could overcome.  So if someone betrays you based on something they don’t like about you, over some behavior you committed, some wrongful word you spoke, then that is wrong and is their problem, to be sure.

Yes, we are all sinners.  (Romans 3:23)  Admitting this to yourself, to God, and to others is a big step, for it reveals your maturity, honesty, and accountability to Christ.  Even if you are a born-again believer, your sinful nature still remains.  It is only through the help of the Holy Spirit, Jesus living in your heart, that you will overcome all that besets you.  But know that God will give you the victory in the end.

I easily relate to the Apostle Paul who stated in Romans 7:

“For we know that the law is spiritual:  but I am carnal, sold under sin.

“For that which I do, I allow not:  for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I…For the good that I would I do not:  but the evil which I would not, that I do.” (See verses 1-19 KJV)

As God has prepared me for this ministry, I have had to endure many betrayals from people I trusted.  I have had my car vandalised, my children attacked, endured harassments, false accusations, physical and verbal abuse and, most recently, the repeated burglary of my home, over a four-year-period.  I knew who was committing the crimes, yet the police botched everything, so the culprit is still at large, believing she will get away with everything she did to me.  Regardless, no matter how you look at it, all those who have betrayed me or done evil against me or hated me, for whatever reason, will receive their just reward in the end.  God’s Word says we will all give an accounting to Him on Judgment Day, for all of our sins, so know that all who betray you will not get away with that either.

While on earth, Jesus was betrayed by those who loved Him.  Peter, of course, believing he would never betray our Lord, said as much.  Yet, in the end, he did, much to his deep regret.  (Matthew 26:69-75)

Either way, the main point I am trying to make here is that you would be wise to guard your affections.  Trust no one except Jesus Christ, God.  It may be difficult but something you may be glad you did when difficult choices are put before you.  Anyone who does betray you may not really intend to.  But people are only human and cannot always predict how they will respond in any given situation.  When it comes to a matter of life or death, people may surprise themselves at their own choices and behaviors.

Regardless, we are taught by Jesus to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.  (Matthew 5:44)  So regardless of the future, the important thing here is complete commitment and obedience to God.  And please, for your own sake, DO NOT TAKE THE MARK OF THE BEAST, no matter the cost to your stomachs.

“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you; and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name’s sake,

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.”  Matthew 24:9,10 KJV

“And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.

“And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake.

“But there shall not a hair of your head perish.”  (Luke 21:16-18 KJV)

“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.”  (Matthew 10:36 KJV)

“The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother:  the mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”  (Luke 12:53 KJV)

“For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it:  neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:

“But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance,

“We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

“Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell:  for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.”  (Psalm 55:12-15 KJV)

 

Refer to:

http://www.acts17-11.com/end.html

http://www.crossroad.to/Persecution/Scriptures.htm

http://www.reformedonline.com/view/reformedonline/6%20Peter%20Denies%20Christ%20Three%20Times.htm

http://www.bibleprophesy.org/666mark.htm

http://www.openbible.info/topics/mark_of_the_beast

http://www.openbible.info/topics/betrayal

 

 

 

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