...that is the question.  I've been confused about a lot of things over the past 50 years and government is one of the matters I have scratched my head about many times.  I, like many evangelicals have thrown up my hands with the mess and focused on a kingdom not of this world.  I get disgusted with politicians who seem to have no moral compass and I get disgusted with with the faith community who seem to think we ought to wrestle in the same ways and by the same means.  I don't want to be in either camp.  But maybe there is another way.  Maybe we have more than two options. The words of Jesus in His good confession before Pilate are very helpful when we spend some time in meditation with Him.  He said that His Kingdom was not of this world but He did not say His kingdom was inactive in this world.  The fact is, the Lord reigns over all and He is very active in this world through mediatorial means.  By this I mean He has entrusted us to use His means to reflect His reign.  What are His means?  The proclamation and representation of truth...absolute truth.  If we use the means of the world we reflect the wrong Kingdom.  If we abandon the community, the public square and all involvement in the local decision making process we abandon our responsibility. Somehow we have to do more than vote.  We have to remain engaged in the community around us as representatives of the Most High God and His absolute truth.  They may not listen.  We may get thrown out.  However, what if people humbled themselves before God because they recognized His good ways?  What could happen?  Would those in authority make better decisions?  Would there be clarity instead of gridlock?  Would more people glorify our great God and love Him?  I think we ought to keep the light shining in our world..."if perchance God may grant repentance..."

Have you heard that term before?  The definition from Mr Webster, "...its justice progresses by leaps and bounds, an unauthorized, irregular court, usually disregarding normal legal procedure..."  I'm not sure when that term was first used but it sure describes the trial of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I've been studying the first century Jewish law system this week in preparation for Sunday's message and so many of their own laws were violated it is sickening.  I am not going to go into all the details because that is not John's main emphasis.  The readers of John's account would have been familiar with these violations so he didn't need to list them but the main idea was not how bad the courts were but how amazing Jesus really is!  John's purpose was that we might see Jesus for who He really is--the Son of God-- and believe.  The details of Jesus trials can become common place for those of us who have grown up hearing this narrative at Good Friday and Easter services.  We know the outcome and we know Jesus rose from the dead and we know that our sins are forgiven.  It bothers me that this awesome reality can ever become common place to me.  How could it be that such an awesome, eternal, powerful and life-giving truth could ever be taken for granted?  Oh Father, help us this Sunday and every day to see Your grace and mercy, Lord Jesus may we see You for who You are and Spirit, please open the eyes of our hearts fill us with unbridled gratitude for all you have done.  Amen.