Something Really Disturbing (1 Peter 2:22-23)

“Hey Bro, gotta talk to you about something really disturbing.”

My friend Jake was usually jovial so his serious demeanor immediately caught my attention. “What’s up?”

“Listen. Remember when your son was in the hospital? Sally and I were visiting with him and Grandma Karen was there.”

I remembered the time. It was five years ago and my son was hospitalized with a severe bout of pneumonia. Karen was my father’s companion for many years after my parents were divorced. Living in Hawaii, she often visited and stayed with our family in California, to help babysit our two children. Her kind and generous spirit endeared her to our family and we began to affectionately call her Grandma Karen. When my son was hospitalized, we asked Karen if she could fly to California to help us out, since my wife and I were both working. 

Jake continued. “We had never met her before so Sally and I were exchanging pleasantries when she unloaded on us.”

“Unloaded?”

Jake shook his head. “Bro. She told us, ‘I don’t know why they ever had their son. They should have aborted him when they had a chance. Look at all the trouble he’s caused.’ “

My eyes opened wide in horror. This woman, whom we trusted with the lives of our children, was spewing venom at them for over 12 years. This entire exchange was even more tragic since my friends, Jake and Sally, were also parents to a girl with Down Syndrome. We became friends when their daughter was born and a mutual friend put him in contact with me because our son had Down Syndrome. Karen’s statement ripped out our hearts. 

We were betrayed by someone who ingratiated herself into our family. At the time Jake shared this disturbing incident with me, our family had already learned the truth about Karen, which I documented in an earlier blog. However, this revelation was something new and completely unexpected.  “Trust Takes Years To Build…” (Luke 22:61-62) – The Bereans Blog

There are many examples of betrayal in the Bible. Samson was betrayed by Delilah. King David was betrayed by his son Absalom. The supreme example of betrayal was inflicted upon our Lord Jesus Christ. He was betrayed twice, first by Judas and then by Peter. How did He respond to these betrayals that led to His death?

He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 

1 Peter 2:22-23 (NLT)

This incident still sears my soul. I find comfort in the example of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who did not take revenge nor retaliate when He was betrayed. He left the judgment in the hands of God, the Father. I have done the same and will continue to do so whenever I am betrayed by someone whom I have trusted. Thanks be to God that He will always keep His promise to never leave nor forsake me. 

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.