Beware the Ides of March

It was not unusual for kings to have magicians or soothsayers in the times before Christ. Julius Caesar was no different. Although he did not claim the name king because Romans disliked kings; he was indeed a Roman dictator. His seer told him multiple times of impending danger prior to his documented betrayal. In the novel, Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare the famous quote, “Beware the Ides of March” was written. In real life, Caesar was indeed warned about the “Ides of March”. This was a direct warning to Caesar that his life was in danger and that he should be extra careful on March 15th, the Ides of March, but because of his position his life was always in danger. When his wife had a dream about him being harmed, he did consider not having his March 15th meeting, but he eventually changed his mind, and he ignored all warnings and signs of impending danger. Unfortunately, on March 15, 44BC, Julius Caesar was killed by a group of senators/friends who feared that he was gaining too much power.

As followers of Christ, we should not be entertaining the likes of fortune tellers or anyone that delves in witchcraft or sorcery. However, we should heed warnings from the Lord. The Bible is full of warnings that we often don’t heed. Believers are warned about sin and told to stand firm (Galatians 5:1). Believers are warned about trusting man instead of or over God (1 Corinthians 10:1-14). Believers are warned about false prophets/teachers (Matthew 7:21-23). Moreover, believers are warned by God directly. When you have a relationship with the Lord, when you spend time with Him, talk with Him, and listen to Him, He leads and directs you (Psalm 119:105). Unfortunately, believers can be like old kings and not heed the direction from the Lord. Are you guilty of failing to listen to the Lord? Are you guilty of ignoring the Lord’s warnings? Are you guilty of asking the Lord for a sign and when the sign comes you ignore it because you don’t want to believe the warning?

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that guides us, directs us and warns us. Forgive us for ignoring Your warnings and doing things our way. Lord, thank You for being so patient with us when we take the wide road. Thank You for continuing to talk to us even when we stop talking to You. Your love for us is never-ending although it is not without consequences. Thank You for Jesus, the Christ, who became sin for us so that we can have everlasting life. In Jesus name, Amen.