STOLEN HAMBURGLAR

1 Timothy 1:15-20
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 18 Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

In an ironic twist, Hamburglar was stolen from a McDonald's in Niles, Ohio, last fall. Hamburglar--the fast food chain's fictional character that pilfers hamburgers in TV commercials--was featured in a 6-foot-tall statue in the Niles franchise.

A man entered the restaurant, grabbed the masked statue, and ran out. Later that night, police nabbed the thief . . . of the thief. But the arrest didn't happen the way you might guess.

Officers in Niles, responding to a domestic-violence call at a nearby home, talked with a woman who said she was punched by a male friend during an argument. What were they arguing about? Stolen property.

Police found the $1,500 heisted Hamburglar in the basement and arrested the woman's friend on two counts--robbery and assault. And so ended one very strange case of Hamburglary!

It's likely the thief in this story is serving some serious time in jail. His actions warrant his being put behind bars.

The apostle Paul turned two men over to a very interesting "warden" for some punishment in an account found in 1 Timothy. He wrote to encourage his protégé Timothy and to warn him about these dangerous dudes.

Hymenaeus and Alexander had been leading people astray with some heretical teaching. Paul said they had "shipwrecked their faith" (1:19). He mentioned the duo in another letter as well: Hymenaeus is referenced in 2 Timothy 2:17 for his false instruction; Alexander is described as one who "did [Paul] a great deal of harm" (4:14).

So, to what "authority" did Paul hand over these troublemakers? Satan! His intent was to get the two men to repent and return to the true gospel of Jesus. But his message is a strong reminder to each of us. When we wander from the true Word of God, our fellowship with Him will be broken and our close companion becomes Satan.

It's wise not to even steal a glance in that direction! --Tom Felten

DESTINATION POINTS

* In what ways have I been wandering from God's truth?
* Why would it be awful to be turned over to Satan?

LINKS:
What In The World Is Satan Doing?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q1001

bottom line: Turning from God leads to Satan's door.

soul journey