Beware of the Leaven of Herod!

German philosopher Friedrich Hegel once said, “The only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history.”  Did you know that the Roman Emperor, Constantine, professed to be a Christian, changing with the times because he saw it would strengthen his empire?  He said, “I am a Christian” and inscribed a symbol of the cross on all his soldiers’ shields saying, “By this sign conquer.” 

 

The true reason for his pretended conversion was to control the Christians, and to conquer them by the use of the cross.  The sad fact is that it worked, because the people accepted what he said instead of judging him by his fruit (see Matthew 7:15-23).  They submitted themselves to the authority of the state first, instead of to the authority of God.  They substituted Christ as their King, the Lord of glory, for an earthly king, Constantine.  From the time the Church began to be linked with the state, the Lord left her, and gave her up to barrenness.  That is why Jesus said, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the LEAVEN OF HEROD” (Mark 8:15, emphasis added).

 

Today, we see the same thing happening.  The professing church in America cleaves to anyone who claims to be a Christian in the government instead of looking at their fruit.  Some go as far as to justify these leaders when they do something contrary to Scripture, because the same sin lies in them.  Just because someone claims to be a Christian doesn’t mean they are!  We know them by their fruit!

 

As Christians, we are to be the light of the world and are commanded in Ephesians 5:11 to “…have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”  We need to remember what 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 says:

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an ANGEL OF LIGHT. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works (emphasis added).

 

Remember, the devil likes to stay close to the light, so always judge a tree by its fruits.