Reed's Read of Wisdom Wednesdays™: When They Mistake You for the Enemy

What do you do when you're mistaken for the very thing you're fighting against?

In Chapter 4 of S.O.L.A.D.™: Book II, titled "Angelic Rescues," we find our heroes in one of their most chaotic and spiritually charged moments yet. Angelo, Angeline, Wiseman J, and Jeff are not only battling demon soldiers and protecting the people of Memphis, but they're suddenly confronted by law enforcement and military forces who believe they are the source of the destruction.

It’s a chilling moment. One that mirrors our spiritual, emotional, and social experiences. Sometimes, the very people we are trying to protect or help will point their weapons at us. Sometimes, the forces that should recognize the light will react in fear because they don’t understand it.

This post is for anyone who’s ever been misjudged while trying to do the right thing.

The Scene: Heroes Under Fire

In Angelic Rescues, chaos reigns as demon soldiers and demon dogs ravage the city. Our heroes are rescuing civilians, battling darkness, and using their gifts to fight spiritual evil. But just as they prepare for the next wave of battle, law enforcement and the military show up. Not to assist them—but to arrest them.

Angelo and Angeline put their weapons down and try to explain: "We are not your enemy. We are here to help."

Chief Marcus Grayson responds with the harsh command: "PUT YOUR WEAPONS ON THE GROUND, PUT YOUR HANDS ON YOUR HEAD AND GET DOWN ON THE GROUND. NOW!"

Angelo complies. Angeline complies. Wiseman J and Jeff follow. But the moment their hands touch the ground, the Orpheum Theatre explodes behind them and 66 winged demon soldiers pour out.

The law enforcement officers mistake the heroes' attempts to shield them as threats—and they open fire.

Yet the real enemies are right behind them.

This is a real spiritual picture: how the enemy works through confusion, fear, and distraction to make the righteous look guilty.

Jeff, moments earlier, revealed that his battle with Monstrosity—the dark part of himself—was raging internally. "He’s something I’ll probably battle with for the rest of my life. But I won’t lose the war inside myself." And that same internal war shows up externally when the people he's trying to help aim their weapons at him.

Even more stunning? Angelo and Angeline still protect them.

The Biblical Parallel: Jesus, Paul, and Misjudged Purpose

Jesus Christ Himself was often mistaken for a rebel, a blasphemer, or an enemy of the establishment.

"He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." (John 1:11)

When Jesus healed on the Sabbath, He was accused of breaking the law. When He dined with sinners, He was accused of being one. When He cast out demons, the religious leaders said He did so by the power of Beelzebub (Matthew 12:24).

Paul was no stranger to this either. After his conversion, many of the early believers still saw him as Saul the persecutor, not Paul the apostle. In Acts 21, Paul is seized by a mob in Jerusalem. They drag him from the temple, beat him, and shout false accusations. The Roman commander arrests Paul to "protect" him, still thinking he's a troublemaker. Paul is literally chained while trying to preach peace.

Even Joseph, in Genesis, was falsely accused of assaulting Potiphar’s wife, thrown in prison, and forgotten by those he helped. But none of it stopped his God-given purpose.

Like our heroes in S.O.L.A.D.™, these biblical figures faced opposition not just from enemies, but from those who should've been allies.

Why Do They Mistake the Righteous for the Enemy?

1. Fear Clouds Vision

   • In the chaos of Memphis, the military sees people flying and wielding supernatural weapons. To them, it's indistinguishable from the threat.

   • In our lives, people often judge what they don't understand. When we walk in purpose, shine with light, or speak truth boldly, it can scare those who live in darkness.

     
     

2. Guilt Breeds Projection

   • Sometimes people accuse you because your presence convicts them. Like Jeff says, "I am that monster. He’s my anger, hate, pride, selfishness and everything evil inside of me." His battle is inward, but others may see only the danger, not the discipline.

     
     

3. Assumptions Trump Understanding

   • The military assumed Angelo and Angeline were threats. They didn’t stop to listen, ask questions, or investigate. Many people will treat you based on what others say about you, not who you really are.

     
     

4. Spiritual Warfare is Often Misread in the Natural

   • The heroes were fighting demonic forces, but the world saw only glowing shields, flying warriors, and wreckage. They couldn’t discern the supernatural war behind the visible battle.

     
     

5. Timing of Truth Isn’t Always Comfortable

   • When Jeff tells Wiseman J that Angelo and Angeline deserve to know the truth of the past year, J responds: "This is not the time." Sometimes, holding your peace and staying in position is more important than proving your point.

     
     

What Should You Do When They Get It Wrong?

1. Stand in Your Identity

Angelo didn't shout. He didn’t retaliate. He calmly said: "My name is Angelo... We are not your enemy. We are here to help."

That’s how we must move: rooted in identity. You don’t need to explain your calling to everyone. Just walk in it.

2. Protect Without Retaliation

When bullets fly, Angelo and Angeline don’t attack the officers. They shield them. They step between the people and the threat.

Just like Jesus did.

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

Our job is not to curse the ones who misunderstand us. It’s to protect them until they can see the truth.

3. Keep Fighting the Right Enemy

Angelo never took his eyes off the mission. "This is our world and there are people we probably know and interact with every day down there who are fighting for their lives."

He wasn’t fighting for pride or ego. He was fighting for purpose. Even when attacked.

4. Let the Fruit Speak for You

Eventually, truth will be revealed. Angelo’s force field protects not just the heroes, but the people who thought they were the enemy. When the demons appear, it’s the heroes who stand in the gap.

"By their fruit you will recognize them." (Matthew 7:16)

Declarations for the Misunderstood

Say this aloud:

• I am not what they assume.

  
  

• I was not sent to please the crowd, but to fulfill a calling.

  
  

• I forgive those who mislabel me.

  
  

• I will keep protecting even those who misjudge me.

  
  

• I am not the enemy. I am the answer.

  
  

• I am light in dark places, and I will not dim.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Mislabeling Break You

Angelo and Angeline were seconds away from being shot down by their own people. The very city they were trying to save didn’t recognize their help. But they kept fighting.

When the demons burst out of the Orpheum Theatre, it became clear who the true enemy was.

But even then, the crowd wasn’t fully convinced.

That’s the risk of walking in divine purpose.

Jesus knew it. Paul lived it.T he prophets endured it. And in S.O.L.A.D.™, our heroes are living it out, one fiery trial at a time.

So keep standing. Keep shielding. Keep shining. Even when they mistake you for the enemy, know that Heaven never does.

👇🏾 Read Chapter 4: "Angelic Rescues" in S.O.L.A.D.™ Book II to go deeper into this moment of mistaken identity and holy defiance. Order autographed copies now at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop and suit up for your divine mission!