What is coupled with the name Christian never ceases to amaze and frustrate me. Recent headlines proclaim the arrest of a “Christian Militia” group in Michigan. The ironic fact is that this arrest took place just before Easter.
The disciples of Jesus were equally amazed and dismayed before Easter some 2000 years ago, but for polar-opposite reasons.
They had expected a King, a Ruler who would come and wipe out Israel’s enemies and set them free from Rome. They watched their Messiah get arrested, charged with blaspheming and rabble rousing, and sentenced to die, all without a fight. They must have felt they had somehow they’d pinned their hopes on the wrong man.
Yet Scripture, hundreds of years earlier had predicted this scene:
He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. (Isaiah 53:7)When questioned by Pilate, Rome’s Procurator of Judaea, Jesus answered: “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm." (John 18:36)
The word “Christian” originated in the Near East city of Antioch (in modern day Turkey). It meant to be a follower of Christ, one who adheres to Christ’s teachings.
“A new commandment I give to you,” Jesus had instructed His disciples, “that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Blowing up synagogues, as some have done in the name of Christ, killing abortion clinic workers or police, gathering soldiers to crusade against those of other faiths—none of these are what Christ taught His followers to do, none have anything to do with love. All these actions derive from an earthly kingdom estranged from God.
This is the Ultimate Blasphemy: to call yourself by the name of Christ and to live like the devil.
That is a great post, Aunt Kady, and a great reminder.
ReplyDeleteI miss you a lot!!! I wanted to tell you that I bought that book you were teliing me about, "Testament To Courage." I am excited to read it. I love you.
Lynnae
You are right. It is so sad to see how many things masquerade under the title of "Christianity" today. I think what I struggle with is how to react in the perverse culture that we live in. I don't agree with taking up arms against the government, yet neither do I believe that we should just yield tyrannical authority to them without a struggle. I don't want to wake up one morning to find our country controlled by a dictator and enforced by secret police. When is the time to stand up and fight? Absolutely, God's people should not be starting revolutions and labeling them Christian. Yet how far do we let evil men go in their assault on our liberty? When it comes right down to it, sometimes the answers don't seem as clear (at least to me).
ReplyDeleteCharae,
ReplyDeleteYou have some wonderful questions.
It seems to me that part of the problem is that we forget the battle isn't against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces in heavenly places. We, myself very much included,forget that our most important weapon and calling is to pray for our leaders. I wonder, if we as Christians took this seriously, what would change in us and in the direction of the nations.
Another point to consider: how many martyrs would have died for their faith and left a testimony of the love of Christ, if they had pulled out a sword or a gun to defend themselves?
We in countries of democracy have a special privilege and responsibility; we have many opportunities to voice our opinion, vote, take things to court, etc. We should take advantage of these freedoms and be faithful to do all we can. This is the way we can fight. Not in shedding the blood of men and women who need a Saviour, but in standing up for what is right.
Thank you, Charae and Lynnae, for your thoughts. I so appreciate reading them! Love you both!
You are right, Katy. Thank you for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteNot wanting to give up without a fight runs in our Scottish blood though, Charae, so I feel it too. ;-)
ReplyDelete