LESSON FROM CAESAR - Dag Heward-Mills

READ: Matthew 27:1-10

But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured...
Isaiah 1:20

A truly loyal person will save you by telling you what is going on behind your back. When your closest aides fail to do this, your demise is imminent. Your vision for a great business often ends at the feet of disloyal people; sometimes with bankruptcy. If your associates and trusted friends turn against you in ministry, your dreams of expansion often end as the church splits.

Consider the story of Julius Caesar by English author William Shakespeare. Caesar, Rome's most successful General, was appointed to restore order to the Republic of Rome. He did not know that his closest aides were plotting his death. But his greatest surprise was when he found Brutus to be part of the conspiracy. Then, he knew that all was lost. He said those famous words, which meant that it was all over: "Then fall, Caesar!"

However, the story doesn't end there! We must now observe the end of all rebels. Mark Antony is allowed to deliver a funeral oration. His speech, which is loyal to the fallen Caesar, turns the hearts of the Roman populace against the treacherous murderers. You will notice how the expected outcome of gaining power does not materialize! Finally, the combined forces of Antony and Caesar's heir, Octavian, defeated Brutus and Cassius. Brutus and Cassius committed suicide.

Dear friend, Antony chose to be loyal; he paid the price and received the reward. Brutus, the close friend of Caesar, chose the way of unfaithfulness and treachery. He ended up just like Judas!