An Abomination to the Lord

by Danny Douglas

 

"He that justifieth the wicked, and. he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD" (Proverbs 17:15).  A great example of this abomination was when the Jews desired the release of a murderer and cried for the blood of Christ (cf. Matthew 27:20-25; Acts 2:22-24, 36; 3:14-15).  Another example is when king Ahab accused Elijah of being "he that troubleth Israel." To this the prophet replied: "…I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim" (1 Kings 18:18).

Likewise, faithful brethren are often persecuted for standing against error and for the truth!  Some are so foolish as to turn against faithful brethren, and to defend those in error.  When brethren give ear to the dishonest and self-seeking, this can easily happen.  Indeed, this abomination is committed by many today!

Some brethren will "hunt with anybody's dogs," and join up with reprobates.  They will stoop to anything to get their way, like Jezebel who stole Naboth's vineyard by concocting a scheme involving false witnesses and lies against Naboth, resulting in his stoning (cf. 1 Kings 18:1-16).  How­ever, God saw it all and He determined that: "the dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel" (1 Kings 21: 23).  Indeed, later the dogs did eat Jezebel and left no more than her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands, by the wall of the city where her wicked schemes had been executed (cf. 2 Kings 9:30-37).

In like manner, all who condemn the righteous, and who uphold the wicked, will have a heavy price to pay.  Surely, we shall reap as we have sown: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Galatians 6:7-8). [The Saluter, October 5, 2008; Dresden church of Christ, Dresden TN]