We need to focus on a higher power

Letter to the Editor:

This politically turbulent election year, Easter has taken on an expanded meaning for me. As we consider our expectations for a new president, and compare them to the crowd’s expectations from Jesus, it seems we are as misguided as the crowds in Jesus’ time.

The crowds of Jesus’ time were looking for freedom from the oppression of the Roman government. Their hope was focused on the government being replaced - namely by Jesus, as King of the Jews. Religious leaders ruled out of fear of the Romans.

The people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem waving palm branches and singing Hosanna in the highest. Both were historical symbols of their expected political liberation and freedom. (See John 12:7+)

But Jesus had no intent of a political realm. His purpose was to make new creations of our individual hearts. Much of his sorrow and weeping must have been knowing how shortsighted the expectations of people are compared to the sacrifice He was making for our ultimate deliverance. (See Matthew 5+)

We also put our hope in our candidates of choice to deliver us from corruption and oppression. We focus on human power to bring change, blind to the futility of hope without God. God wants our involvement to be at His leading, not our own strength. Consider the ancients before us such as Abraham, Gideon, Job, Daniel, David, Paul… and Jesus… (Mark 14:32+)

Just as Jesus’ disciples lost all faith when their candidate was killed, so do we lose faith in our deliverance when the opposition wins. We forget that God is able to work it for His purposes when we suffer. (See Luke 24:13-24)

We, as they, look to the wrong source of deliverance from our woes. Human power alone has never been enough to accomplish peace. People still think that they can accomplish peace through rebellion and conflict. Jesus proclaimed the destruction that would still come, and did. (See Ephesians 6:10+)

Historical records all witness to the reality of Jesus and the predicted and fullfilled prophecies regarding Him. Roman and Jewish documents (Josephus, Tacitus, political), eyewitness letters that make up the Bible… (1 John 1:1+) 

May we each judge the source of our own hope and the legitimacy of our expectations - understanding that God is who He says He is - our only true hope. (Consider Luke 12:1+)

Laura McGlasson,

Libby