“If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” Matthew 28:14 NIV

The soldiers who were guarding the tomb of Jesus were instructed by the religious leaders to lie. They were to say that while they were sleeping, the disciples of Jesus came and stole the body. The religious leaders then promised the soldiers that if the governor heard about it, they would “satisfy him” and keep them out of trouble.

Don’t worry, guys, you do as we tell you to do and we’ll take care of you. We will take care of the governor, we will “satisfy him“.

The soldiers were afraid because of the earthquake, because of the angel, because they couldn’t hold Jesus’ body in a tomb. They were afraid of the consequences. They went and told the religious leaders what had happened and their response was to mislead them. It didn’t matter to the soldiers, as long as when the governor found out what had happened, the religious leaders would “satisfy him”.

What are you willing to do to look good to the person to whom you are accountable? What are you willing to do to “satisfy him” or her? Are you willing to lie?  Twist the truth?

Have you been willing to let others tell a lie on your behalf or detract from the truth to keep you out of trouble? Have you been willing to keep the truth to yourself hoping no one will know your sin or your shame? What have you said or done to keep yourself out of trouble?

God loves you, knows you, sees all things, “satisfy him”!

Pray Psalm 139 1 John 1:9 1 John 2:4

God Almighty,  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. Where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 

Forgive me, Lord, because when I sin I think I can hide from you. When I fail, I try to cover it with pretensions and false stories. My shame prevents me from moving forward. I confess to You because You are faithful and just and You will forgive my sins and cleanse me of all wrongdoing.

Lord, I want to be obedient to your Word and testify of the Truth. I want to satisfy only You!

Hide Me in Your Light