February 15, 2025

BEWARE OF BETRAYAL (PART 3)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: PSALM 41:9 KJV: “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.”

In marriage, betrayal is grievous, as it violates the sacred covenant made before God. Malachi warns against dealing treacherously with the wife of one’s youth, highlighting the sanctity of marital fidelity. “For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously”‭‭(MALACHI 2:16).

Jesus condemned the Pharisees and scribes for their hypocrisy, which is a form of spiritual betrayal. They betrayed their sacred responsibilities to lead God's people righteously by prioritizing their own interests. "But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! …" (MATTHEW 23:13).

Betrayal often brings destruction not only upon the victim but also upon the perpetrator. The story of Haman in the Book of Esther demonstrates how deceit and betrayal can backfire. "So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai" (ESTHER 7:10).

PRAYER: I reject the spirit of betrayal in my life, family, and the body of Christ, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

REFLECTION: JOHN 13:21 KJV: “When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.”