Simply Jesus Pt. 8: “Like the Blind Leading the Blind…”

The last great persecution of the early Christians began in 303CE under the rule of the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

In addition to burning all the Christians’ sacred books, it is recorded that, “A general sacrifice was commenced. … No distinction was made of age or sex. … Many houses were set on fire, and whole Christian families perished in the flames; and others had stones fastened about their necks, and being tied together were driven into the sea. … As it lasted ten years, it is impossible to ascertain the numbers martyred, or to enumerate the various modes of martyrdom. … Racks, scourges, swords, daggers, crosses, poison and famine were made use of in various parts to dispatch the Christians.”    

The persecution raged on for ten grueling years, with many of the faithful growing weary under its strain. Therefore, when the new Emperor Constantine made Christianity legal in 313CE with the edict of Milan, some Christians viewed him as a salvific figure that had possibly ushered in the Millennial reign of Christ.

Not only did Constantine end the persecution of Christians, he put Christianity on Rome’s payroll. He constructed magnificent buildings for Christians out of Roman tax money. He employed many Christians in prominent positions of the State, including some as his personal advisors. Constantine also began paying a salary to numerous Christian leaders out of the State treasury.

It’s unfortunate that so many Christian leaders became so star-struck by Constantine that they lost their spiritual discernment. What an indictment of those leaders it is that someone who so many thought was the right hand of God would refuse to be baptized until he was laying on his deathbed in 337CE. Equally telling, if Constantine became a Christian after his famed victory in 313CE, why would he have his oldest son and second wife executed a decade later? That doesn’t sound like something a follower of Jesus would do, does it?

As wolfish as Constantine was, it’s amazing how many of the 4^th century leaders couldn’t recognize him for what he was. What’s worse is how quickly those leaders prostituted themselves to the State and taught the people to stray from the simple words of Christ. Those 4^th century leaders were guilty of what Jesus said to the Pharisees in Matthew 15:14, “They are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Only half-a-century earlier, the prophetic spirit was alive and well in the early Christians as the words of Jesus guided them in spotting and calling out the errors of false teachers.

The Lord cries aloud, saying, “Do not listen to the words of the false prophets, for the visions of their own hearts deceive them. They speak, but not out of the mouth of the Lord. … Depart far from the infection of men of this kind, and flee from their words, avoiding them as a cancer and a plague, as the Lord warns you and says, “They are blind leaders of the blind. But if the blind lead the blind, they shall both fall into the ditch.” …

Avoid the wolves who separate the sheep from the shepherd; avoid the envenomed tongue of the devil, who from the beginning of the world, always deceitful and lying, lies that he may deceive, cajoles that he may injure, promises good that he may give evil, promises life that he may put to death. … He promises peace, in order that peace may not possibly be attained; he promises salvation, that he who has sinned may not come to salvation; he promises a Church, when he so contrives that he who believes him may utterly perish apart from the Church. – Cyprian 250CE, Volume 5, p. 565-566 [CD-ROM]

I’m afraid that many of the same traps that Christian leaders of the early 4^th century fell into are ensnaring many Christian leaders in America today. Our fear of persecution, love of safety, and desire for wealth, power and control are the most beautiful of briar patches for our souls. Both Satan and politicians know this, and masterfully exploit those emotions and cravings to render us unfruitful for the kingdom of God.

It’s one thing when the devil or slimy politicians try to manipulate people into putting their trust in the corrupt rulers of the world rather than the King of kings. It’s another thing all together when the shepherds of the Church are leading the way.

I guess I shouldn’t be shocked, but I am appalled at the way Christian leaders have been endorsing both Trump and Clinton. I don't mean saying one or the other will win the election; I mean giving them endorsements. Though the United States’ government has never sought to align its values with the teachings of Jesus, this election is especially an example of why Christian leaders should not endorse a presidential candidate. Trump and Clinton are on the same side, and it is not Jesus’ side.

Similarly, neither Trump nor Clinton have allegiance to the Right or Left. Their gods are money, power and control. You are simply a means to them achieving those ends. If you are perceived as a threat to those ends, they will seek to oppress or eliminate you just like Constantine did to his own family.

So please, avoid the blind guides that implore you to put your hope in either Trump or Clinton. Those who blindly follow blind guides wind up in ditches.

Instead, put your hope in God. Put your hope in a Kingdom that is an everlasting Kingdom. Put your hope in a King who has proven His love for you by giving His life for you. Give your allegiance to King Jesus and trust in Him as your good Shepherd.