If there is anything more touchy in the marketplace of humanity than religion it might just be politics. People have opinions (in both) that are strong; in some cases unbending, closed-minded, and unapproachable. For some, politics is their religion. Nevertheless, I wade into both today.
The idea that religion and politics don't mix is a lie that the church has swallowed. It is very much an inseparable blend. Look at Jesus' walk. Was he constantly facing Sunday School teachers and deacons over class materials and softball teams? Or was he encountering political figures; national rulers, advocate groups, and military might?
Jesus was deep into the political scheme. The reason would be that this seems to be also a place where common people live. Jesus was always about the welfare of people.
As a result, he lived with his own political agenda. What do we think got him crucified? He believed in helping the orphans and the widows so the crowds barked, Crucify him? No. Jesus' walk bled into the political arena causing the power-lords of the day a great deal of pain worse than gas.
The life of Jesus faced a dark world's power head on. Get this. He killed, not the killers, but killing. Jesus killed killing. He eradicated the very thing that would end life. This is a magnificent political move. He used their swords to beat them at their own game on their own turf without a sword of his own. By the process of submitting to their killing machines, he then exited what was assumed to be a permanently confining grave.
This great move proved the opponents artillery could not stand a chance against the might of love. Both the religious and political machines did their best to join forces to take this man out. Assassination was their cry.
Willing to be assassinated was the beginning of his victory lap.
Our enthusiasm for perfect hope is built upon this majestic, inspiring, and outlandish truth.
The wonder of God is buried beneath political intensity because we don't realize that Jesus established a new era; a new political party if you will. He stood for the underdogs everywhere he turned. His power wasn't in chumming with the elite who carried power. His was to present mankind with the greatest system that could ever be known; death met its match...and life wins!
This was new religiously and politically.
Our mission statement is to die well that others might live. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you (II Cor. 4:11-12).
Some think we are elephants. Other believe we are donkeys. Clearly, we are called to arise from beneath the political intensity in this America of ours is to be the party of the Lambs.
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