Hamelin, Germany is a fine old medieval town with some remarkable buildings. The city was founded as a monastery in 851 AD. A village grew around the monastery into a neighborhood. By the 12th century it was considered a town.  However, the main attraction of this township is the tale of the Pied Piper. Today marks the anniversary of the Piper leading 130 children out of Hamelin to their deaths.  The incident is said to have happened in 1284 and may be based on a true event, although somewhat different from the tale. In the 16th century the story was expanded into a full narrative. The version written by the Brothers Grimm made it popular throughout the world. It is also the subject of well-known poems by Goethe and Robert Browning. Today, every Sunday during the summer, the tale is performed by actors in the town centre.

Whenever this story comes to mind, I think of the plethora of Pied Pipers in our society. We have so many choices that exemplify Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25 that if I try to name them all I will miss a group with which you are familiar, but let’s give it a try. Communal “families,” the brilliant elite or Mensa types, anti-establishment under the guise of religious principles, the spiritually enlightened, the alien/UFO committed, political, satanic, self-help, hedonistic, commercial (miraculous/special products), psychological or mind control groups, new age, eastern mysticism, and of course religious groups. With each there is always a charismatic leader who holds a uniquely exalted position. He or she will normally claim an exclusive ability to provide truth, happiness, health, riches, popularity or success in some special form or another. In reality each one normally preys on people’s insecurities or greed. In any case, if you hear something that (as the quote goes), seems too good to be true it probably is.

Six times between Matthew 18:13 and Luke 18:29 it says the truth of eternity and God’s Kingdom is discernable with a child’s mind. And, what does a child discern better than anything else? Love. What does John say (13:35) that members of the kingdom will possess and be known for? Love. If love does not exist in a way that builds up and edifies you and all those apart of the group – day in, day out, you are probably in the wrong group and following a “Pied Piper.” As long as you are here on earth, the Holy Spirit will express His love to you day in, day out. He will comfort you when you are down, He will provide for you when you have little and he will build character and hope into you as you persevere through the stress of life. You already have a charismatic leader. The difference is, He says: “Be still and know” while the others say follow my plan and you will achieve riches, fame or whatever.

For some reason God thought I should be your leader for a while. Even though I may not be a charismatic leader who made rash promises, I told you the truth. God is in control and he is your strength, redeemer and source of all that is good. You do not have to believe anything else that I say as long as you remember that. Follow Him and you will have peace and joy – NOT death and separation.

Love Dad