Psalm 125:5 “As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.”
Much like Old Testament “Israel”, “the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16), The Church, is often plagued with those who “turn aside unto their crooked ways”. The faithful Children of God love peace and humble fellowship and worship focused upon our Lord and not man. Those who “turn aside unto their crooked ways” seek power over the flock of God, personal gain and glory, promotion for their own self-esteem, and satisfaction of their carnal lusts. But, “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:1)! Knowing that there will be those who “turn aside unto their crooked ways”, the Lord comforts His Blessed Bride, The Church, telling her that those who “turn aside unto their crooked ways”, He “shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity”. That is, the Lord will eventually rain grief and anguish and suffering upon “the workers of iniquity”, including those who “turn aside unto their crooked ways” in the Church, they will suffer right along with “the workers of iniquity”! “but peace shall be upon Israel”; that is, the Lord will embrace His Beloved Church and protect and eventually prosper those who do not follow the “crooked ways”, but remain humble and faithful servants of our Lord. Even in the very face of our present tribulations, let us spend our remaining days, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2).