So I took things into my own hands

The news hit today that Michael Guglielmucci has admitted to falsely claiming to have cancer.  The executive of the Australian Christian Churches made this statement:

Representatives of the National Executive recently met with Michael Guglielmucci.  At this meeting he read a statement indicating that his claim to have cancer was untrue.  His credential with the ACC was immediately suspended.

The National Executive is taking this matter very seriously and is awaiting the results of medical tests before determining the full extent of the discipline that will be imposed upon him.

We are very concerned for the many people who have been or will be hurt by Michael's actions and we encourage all of our churches to pray for all those affected.

Yours sincerely,

Alun Davies
National Vice President

20 August 2008

This situation creates a raft of questions, How does a person get so caught up with the affirmation of people that they lose the passion and drive to pursue the affirmation of Christ?  Why does God let it get this far?  What must his family be feeling, how must his church feel, what about those who have cancer and were trusting in the God who was healing Michael?  But the question I want to ask is this:  Is God glorified, through those led to worship through this fraud?  or is the God of all truth appalled at the fraud and poor character?  Hmm that is something to ponder.

Then there are those who came to faith through Michael's ministry.  For those, it is God who saved you, it is Christ's blood that cleanses sin, it is not Michael!  Keep heading towards God, keep reading the Word it is here that you will find truth and authenticity.

Today's events make me wonder about Saul and his kingship from 1 Samuel.  Saul chosen as king, quickly finds that he wants to take control, when he should have waited on God.  we see it through his kingship, he is deeply concerned by what people think, that people would follow him.

1 Samuel 13:9-14 (The Message) says this:

So Saul took charge: "Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!" He went ahead and sacrificed the burnt offering. No sooner had he done it than Samuel showed up! Saul greeted him.

Samuel said, "What on earth are you doing?"

Saul answered, "When I saw I was losing my army from under me, and that you hadn't come when you said you would, and that the Philistines were poised at Micmash, I said, 'The Philistines are about to come down on me in Gilgal, and I haven't yet come before God asking for his help.' So I took things into my own hands, and sacrificed the burnt offering."

"That was a fool thing to do," Samuel said to Saul. "If you had kept the appointment that your God commanded, by now God would have set a firm and lasting foundation under your kingly rule over Israel. As it is, your kingly rule is already falling to pieces. God is out looking for your replacement right now. This time he'll do the choosing. When he finds him, he'll appoint him leader of his people. And all because you didn't keep your appointment with God!"

Saul could not wait for God to do what God wanted to do and so he hijacked his reign but taking things into his own hands.  Who knows what would have happened had Saul trusted God and waited, who knows if Saul may have become a hero of faith rather than an object lesson in self centred living.  What could God have done through Michael he was obviously talented and capable.

So what can come from this?  May we all be made aware of our frailty and our ability to sin!  May we open up our lives to the light of Christ, may our deception be made clear.  May we see justice, and accountability, may grace abound appropriately in response to absolute repentance.  Finally I pray that churches would pull down the pedestals we place leaders on, may leaders step down from them and walk together as a faithful priesthood of all, so that God is glorified and praised!