CLARITY
A Biblical Response to Current Events – 8-19-20
Secrets
What’s Happening: “ It reads like ‘a spy novel’ the LA Times article of the 17th read, as ex-CIA operative was charged with espionage, a charge that could end up with 67-year-old Alexander Yuk Chung Ma in prison for life. Starting in a hotel in Hong Kong in 2001, Ma met with Chinese operatives and received (and the government’s case has him on video tape) $50,000 for his spying services, where he allegedly provided a huge amount of very sensitive information. He also is on tape recently receiving $2,000 twice by an undercover FBI agent posing as a Chinese operative. Others would have been charged, but age and cognitive ability were a factor (https://www.yahoo.com/news/former-cia-officer-charged-providing-194434890.html). Quoting from the article: ‘This case demonstrates the persistence of Chinese espionage efforts,’ said John Demers, the assistant attorney general of the Justice Department’s national security division. ‘It shows the willingness to betray one’s adopted country and colleagues…and it reads like a spy novel.’”
Knee-Jerk Response: “Never trust an immigrant…!”
Biblical Response: “Except for the native Americans who were already here, we’re all immigrants (or children of immigrants). Just because someone has a foreign-sounding name or different appearance does not make him disloyal. Apparently, it was all about money, and I’ll bet the amounts were many times the ones mentioned. It is not the first time spying has been used, however…even the Children of Israel sent 12 spies into Canaan to gather intelligence (Numbers 13 &14). Still, if you get caught…you must pay. The spies that Rahab hid in Jericho would have cost her, but she was on the right side (Josh. 6:17). This is not a warning to do your spying more carefully, but an admonition to be on God’s side. Could He have revealed the spies true intents? Sure. However, He chose not to…and that’s His prerogative (Dan. 2:28-29).”
“Christians? We believe that God alone is the ultimate arbiter of secrets (Deut. 29:29). Sometimes He reveals secrets, sometimes He keeps secrets. When it’s about money, it’s usually about greed…and God takes a dim view of that (Ex. 20:17).”
Here’s a Prayer You Can Pray: “Heavenly Father, help us to have pure intentions and be loyal, ultimately, to You; in Jesus’ Name, amen.”
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