July 21

“The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place.”

When you think of the Pharisees out to get Jesus and how He responds, are you left wondering what you do when someone is out to harm you, specifically, spiritually? Let me explain.

Our lives involve continual interactions with others, some good and some not so good. We encounter all sorts of people in our day to day lives: family, friends, coworkers, strangers. And in those interactions, we are bound to face sin at some point. Throughout the day, we are tempted, although these temptations vary from person to person. Gossip, criticism, anger, judgment, lying… and what about those temptations we face when we are all alone? Despair, hopelessness, fear, lust, gluttony? Do we run from these things that threaten our lives, the state of our souls, or do we give in?

Jesus knew what the Pharisees were up to, and He fled. He still had work to do that depended on His very life. God has assigned each of us gifts, tasks, and callings. We aren’t done until He says so. The next time your soul is in jeopardy, ask Him for the courage and RUN to Him… and don’t look back!