Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Joshua 9:4, ” They worked craftily, and went and pretended to be ambassadors. And they took old sacks on their donkeys, old wineskins torn and mended. “

Background

There is a scene in the movie The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly , where Clint Eastwood’s character, the ” good, ” and his partner, the ” ugly, ” are riding through the plains of the Midwest. Earlier, they had happened upon some dying confederate soldiers and helped themselves to an upgrade in their wardrobe by putting on the uniforms that best fit them. As they continued riding, a platoon of men in similar dress approached them on horseback, and the ” ugly ” began calling out to them, excited for the chance to meet up with someone who could offer them food and shelter. But as the soldiers halted before the two drifters, the commander began beating his uniform with his gloves, thereby knocking off the thick layer of dust and revealing underneath the blue outfit of the union army. What had appeared so promising turned out to be the end of the freedom for those two men.

Application

Those union soldiers weren’t intentionally disguising their appearance as they rode through the countryside. But there are many of us who do project a false impression. Most commonly, we try to seem better off than we are. And although we do that for a variety of reasons, the one that seems most convicting to us as the body of Christ is the person who acts like everything is fine because they think no one really cares enough to help. And why would they think that? Could it be that the individual has expressed a need in the past and received little help and compassion? Could it be that the one in need was offered help and advice, but didn’t exactly see it through, and now the others are simply less willing to try again? Could it be that we think they couldn’t be as bad off as they make it sound, or that someone else has the better means with which to provide help? Doesn’t it all sound like selfish excuses and justifications, on both sides? Not exactly the image His body is supposed to display. If you’re disguising, for better or worse, then let it go. If you’re avoiding, then try offering in sincerity.

Charge

As we seek Him today, take a step to receive the healing that’s been offered, or take that step to offer the healing to another. Commit your heart to laying aside your disguises.