A Fatal Flaw

Scripture References: 1 Samuel 17:45-46; Matthew 26:51-54

Incredible warriors, the Aztecs intrepidly bludgeoned their enemies into subservience. They were also uncompromisingly bloodthirsty, worshipping stony-faced deities they believed demanded human sacrifices. At the dedication of one temple, a procession of victims two miles long was led to the slaughter. All scholars agree that thousands of all ages died annually in their religious rites.

To find ever-increasing numbers of victims, the Aztecs raided far-flung territories. Their oppressive mayhem, inflicted without mercy, alienated their conquered peoples. Hatred for the Aztecs seethed among the oppressed people who awaited only an ally to rise in revolt. The Spaniards became that ally. They found the captive people favorably disposed to them and looking for help. In fact, after first contesting Cortes and losing, they became faithful supporters in his conquest of Mexico City.

Jesus came to us as the God-Man to preach a spiritual message and to establish a spiritual kingdom founded on and fueled by divine love. He personally won converts by moral and spiritual persuasion and ordered his apostles to the same mission. Biblical Christianity remains faithful to the Master’s original, blueprint however widely Christians may stray from it in their attempt to build the kingdom of God on earth.

Courtesy of Speaker’s Sourcebook of New Illustrations by Virgil Hurley © 1995 by Word, Incorporated.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.