Way, way back in history’s pages during what is called the “Hellenistic era”, (from the reign of Alexander the great to the rise of the Roman Empire, 323 BC to ca. 31 AD), their lived a Greek philosopher by the name of Plutarch. He was born towards the end of the era in 46 BC. Plutarch was pretty influential and was a prolific writer. As far as historians can tell, Plutarch was the first to write about the idea of “shooting the messenger”.
In one of his writings (“Lives”) Plutarch records an incident where a messenger came to the first century Armenian King, Tigranes, with the bad news that an all-conquering Roman general, Lucullus, was on his way to attack him. Plutarch observes
"The first messenger, that gave notice of Lucullus' coming was so far from pleasing Tigranes that he had his head cut off for his pains; and no man dared to bring further information. Without any intelligence at all, Tigranes sat while war was already blazing around him, giving ear only to those who flattered him".
In some way over time, this incident gave rise to a saying which continues to this day, of which there are several variations. The first is, “that’s shooting the messenger” when the bearer of bad news, and not responsible for any cause of it, is treated poorly or criticised, or worse. The second is, “Don’t shoot the messenger!” which is a plea to listen to the bad news, and not blame the bearer of it, and so miss the message entirely. A variation of this idea predates Plutarch some 300-400 years when the custom amongst warring Chinese generals was that any emissary travelling between warring parties to deliver news was treated with respect. Growing out of all this was the idea that is now enshrined in modern diplomatic circles where diplomats who deliver news on behalf of their government in a foreign nation have immunity. Diplomatic immunity.
The idea of not (literally) shooting the messenger is disappearing in our world – particularly, in political circles. Why? I reckon that there are several reasons. One reason – a biggie – is hate speech. And hate speech is directed against anyone we don’t agree with these days. A person can be so hated and parodied in the public arena today, that whatever they say, even if it is 100% correct, is not believed – because it is them. Yep! Even if the message is absolutely true. The messenger is so hated that they are metaphorically “shot” and their message lampooned and rejected – and lost.
Former US president, Donald Trump, (of whom I am not a fan, so please don’t shoot me!) said several things on the international stage which, at the time, were laughed down, scorned, mocked and a whole bunch of other adjectives that are not nice, by 90% of the mainstream media and other world governments. He was hated so much that whatever he said, could never be true (I know, I know, he didn’t help himself a lot of the time with his political rhetoric and bizarre antics). But there were several significant moments early in his presidency when he sounded a crucial warning but nearly everyone shot the messenger rather than receive and evaluate the message. One such warning – and there were at least a dozen of these significant messages – was to the German government when Angela Merkel was still Chancellor. At a meeting, Trump warned her and her cabinet ministers that Germany was dangerously reliant on Russia for energy and that they should take prudent measures to stave off a sovereign threat. There is video footage aplenty showing these government officials openly laughing and scoffing (politely, of course) at Trump - this could never be true. Three years later, Russia invaded Ukraine, and because Germany has lent support to Ukraine, gas supplies have been restricted and are now in danger of being shut off altogether as winter approaches. Trump’s credibility issues didn’t help him as a messenger.
So, two points here. One, how we believers behave and move around our communities is really important. Our behaviours, words and actions must be above reproach at all times. Our character must reflect the message of Christ. If not, people will point and accuse – hypocrite! And our message of Christ, although 100% true, will be mocked and scorned and a whole lot of other adjectives that are not nice.
2 Corinthians 9:13 (NIV)
“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.”
The other point is this: many people in the church today reject the message because they don’t like the messenger – even though the message is absolutely right. It happened to Jesus, too - some had a problem believing what He said, “But, isn’t this Joseph’s boy?”, and rejected His message out of hand. He said, “A prophet is without honour in their home town.” So what is that about? Well, we’re back to that issue of truth again. Truth is powerful. It is disarming, penetrating and revealing. I have seen many a situation where a popular, well-respected leader very graciously brought a message of truth to a leadership team, a church, a workplace … and was “shot” because the recipients did not like, or want to receive, the message of truth. They turned on the leader.
The Old Testament scriptures are replete with stories of the prophets – messengers of God – yet these messengers were almost always shot, even though their message was vitally important and true. Centuries later the prophets were proved right, and monuments were even built in their honour. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for this …
Luke 11:47 (NIV)
"Woe to you, because you build whitewashed tombs for the prophets, and it was your ancestors who killed them.”
The message back in the day was lost – the consequences often severe. King Ahab often complained that the prophet Michaiah never prophesied anything good. Gee, I wonder why? And there’s the rub. Truth is not always pleasant when it is about our erroneous, sinful ways, and we don’t want to hear it and remain bent on pursuing our agenda without respectfully including God’s perspectives. That never ends well.
I believe we are in such times where God is raising up more and more prophetic messengers, and they may not look and sound all that charismatic, professional and polished. We may not like the look of them, they may well be a bit rough around the edges to our eye, some may even be children. But their message will be true and vitally important in our day, and we shoot these messengers to our great detriment. This requires of God’s people great discernment.
Hosea 14:9 (NIV)
“Who is wise? Let them realise these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”
Don’t shoot the messenger!
Think on these things.
Ps Milton