What Is in Man?

I was shocked!

The unmistakable voice on the speakerphone in my study was that of a father in the faith to me. We’d shared a Paul-and-Timothy-like ministry relationship for fifteen years. He was one of only a few I could confide in about the pastorate. He was a trusted counselor, and I’d even become his pastor. Yet, I was stunned by what I heard.

Five men from the church I pastored were in my study that Saturday afternoon. They had called him and put him on speakerphone. He was yelling at me. He was accusing me of things I knew nothing about; that I was the classic example of someone who returns evil for good. I was dumbfounded. The last conversation I had with him was to wish him and his wife well on their vacation.

It came out during this meeting that he and these men had held secret meetings behind my back. They had decided to force me to resign. They even threatened to go before the church with accusations—accusations one of their wives later admitted she had fabricated. She texted my wife to apologize and said, “I just don’t know what came over me.”

It brings to mind a passage from John chapter two:

“Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.” John 2:23–25 (ESV)

That Saturday afternoon, I learned something about what was in man. And it wasn’t pretty. Joseph learned it when his brothers sold him into slavery (Genesis 37). David learned it when Ahithophel, his trusted counselor, turned against him (2 Samuel 15–17). Jesus felt it when Judas betrayed Him… when Peter denied Him… when the same crowds who shouted “Hosanna!” cried “Crucify Him!”

God’s Response

But what is God’s response to what is in man?

Did Jesus not heal ten lepers even though He knew only one would return and thank Him? Did it stop Him from performing miracles—even for those who would later go away? Did it stop Him from loving Judas or praying for Peter? He is the Chief Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep— knowing full well who they are. Yes, our minds easily flood with examples of what happens when the love, mercy, and grace of God meet what is in us.

And so I ask: Are you facing a moment when what is in man seems to be taking over your life? Have you been deeply disappointed—perhaps even betrayed—by those you trusted most? Are you wrestling with questions like, “Why would God allow this?”

Take Heart

I’ll admit, I struggled for years after my forced termination. I struggled to love again. I wrestled with God’s allowance of such a painful experience. I also came to realize the same capacity for betrayal and weakness I saw in others also existed in me.

Still, our stories don’t have to end there—or be defined by what is in man. I am reminded of what the Apostle Paul said about himself…it was by the grace of God that he was what he was, and God’s grace toward Paul was not in vain. I have often thought of what Joseph said to his brothers, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” Can God take what is in man and work it out for good in our lives? Yes!

“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (ESV)

Dear Pastor, Elder, or Ministry Leader, have you been betrayed? Have your friends, even those closest to you, turned against you? Have lies and gossip damaged your reputation? Are you surprised at how easily, even effortlessly, people judge you? Does your wife cry herself to sleep? Are your children confused, hurting, wondering why their world is crumbling and their friends are gone? Are you being torn apart on the inside? And is all of this coming from people you loved dearly?

Is There Encouragement?

In moments like these, it’s easy to see only what’s inside of man. If I can come alongside you and encourage you, it’s to remind us both that the One who loves our souls has felt this very same thing. He was touched by everything you and I will ever experience. Yet, He looked beyond the hostility of sinners and the cross to the joy of reconciling us to Himself. In these times, let us look beyond what is in man and consider Him so that we may not grow weary or lose heart.

I have often found comfort in the Apostle Paul’s testimony…

“At my first defense, no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me… so I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.” 2 Timothy 4:16–17 (ESV)

God rescued Paul from the enemy. God rescued me. God will rescue you, too.