“Doegs” in the Church

Friday, August 16, 2019

Doeg, King Saul’s chief shepherd, went to the House of God one day to perform a religious duty, and he saw David there. Later, he reported to the king that the priests of the Lord were in league with David. King Saul considered David an enemy, so he was furious and ordered his guards to kill the priests. When the guards refused, King Saul ordered Doeg to do the job and he obliged: he killed 85 priests and all the people in the city—men, women, children, and babies—and even the animals (1 Samuel 21-22).

People like Doeg exist today. They go to meetings in Muslim countries to spy on converts from Islam who worship Christ. When we pioneered a church in North Africa, Fatima started coming to our meetings. We later discovered that she was a secret police agent. But God, in his grace, had orchestrated things to our advantage, and miraculously protected us from a lot of trouble.

Prayer

Glorious Father, give your children in Muslim lands the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Enlighten the eyes of their heart (Ephesians 1:17-18). Illumine their soul and mind to receive a word of wisdom and of knowledge from you so they can identify the “Doegs” that infiltrate gatherings of believers to spy on the freedom they have in Christ (Galatians 2:4).

Give your children the presence of mind and a sensitive spirit to see the things you want to reveal to them. Give your flock love and wisdom: love to pray for the “Doegs” and trust God to convict them, and wisdom to guard the flock of God against those who want to wreak havoc on your church. Do a miraculous work in the lives of present-day “Doegs.” Change their hard hearts, heal their sick souls, revive their dead consciences, and bring them into the Kingdom of your beloved Son. May no treason or persecution bend our will to keep us from following you or even dying for you.

In the name that is above every name, Jesus the Christ, Lord and King. Amen.

Promise

Do not be terrified by them…. I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against… kings… officials… priests and people…. I am with you and will rescue you (Jeremiah 1:17-18, NIV).