Vision of an Assassin

I saw a Christian leader dressed in a military uniform standing before what appeared to be a military tribunal. He had been charged with committing willful “friendly fire,” i.e., shooting his own troops. It became appallingly clear as witnesses were called that this man had condemned, slandered, and assassinated anyone he considered a rival among those he had been entrusted to lead and serve.

Next to him as witnesses for the prosecution sat many injured saints anxiously waiting for their day of justice in court. Some were limping, some scarred, and some blinded by this man’s venomous tongue. It was clear he had done amazing damage while wearing the garb of a leader and had treated his own brethren as the enemy. As the charges were read, and witnesses called, it became unnervingly clear that the one prosecuting him was none other than Christ himself.

Some of the witnesses against this man demanded that he be put in front of a firing squad to face an army of accusing, shooting tongues more deadly that his own. It was clear he had used his position of trust to injure many. Why? Because he could.

The accuser of the brethren took the stand and bragged about his unfettered access to this man’s mouth and he laughed at the damage this accusing, lying man of God had done for him. He then demanded from the judge the right to do to this sinning saint as he chose. After all, by his willful slander and accusations, he had entered into a binding covenant of death with the accuser!

Finally, all rose and stood before the Judge. In military style, the charges were recounted and this slandering leader was accused of using Jesus’ blood to build his own kingdom, of injuring many in the body of Christ, and of being a traitor, an assassin who killed those he had been charged to care for and nurture. He was a murderer in God’s eyes having shed the blood of his brethren.

He was found guilty on all counts.

Then the strangest thing happened. The prosecutor stood up and offered the accused, now the condemned, a new uniform. This new uniform bore a medical insignia. The prisoner was told that the court wanted to offer him mercy – but at a price. He was to be striped of his present uniform but if he wanted mercy he would have to become a healer in the body. He would have to confess the lies he had told, the damage he had done, and he would be given a special salve to help heal those he had injured. He would yet find mercy only and if he would become merciful.

He responded that the gifts and callings of God are without repentance.

The prosecutor then told him that, while this was true, that verse meant that he would always have a calling from God but he had disqualified himself from that calling. “Many are called, but few are chosen” was the reply. He was reminded that Judas lost his place and was replaced. The kingdom was also rent from Saul’s hand. His place of service was being taken away and given to another.

The Judge told the guilty man he had two choices: mercy, under the condition he would repent become an agent of mercy, or the disgrace (literally not – grace) of a dishonorable discharge. Either way, his reign of terrorism in the body of Christ was at an end.

Let the reader understand.

Bryan Hupperts
© 2008

Donate to SheepTrax

Enjoyed reading SheepTrax? Consider donating to this ministry. Your donation of $5 or $10 is much appreciated and will help fund our teaching and outreach efforts.