…But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point
your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone,
you condemn yourself. Rom 2:1 (TM)

The Bible is very clear. We all fall short. As Dylan sang, "ain’t no man righteous, no not one." So why do we feel so comfortable being critical and judgmental of those who fall short of our moral and religious standards? If only we took up Jesus’ mission: "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world". Criticism, condemnation and judgement aren’t vehicles for saving – their the tools of repelling.

Am I working to save the lost – or condemn them?

Synchronicity. That moment when things click and come together unexpectedly, unplanned and unlooked for. I have been watching the HBO Miniseries "Rome" (warning: it’s not a good choice for anyone easily offended). Then, Kevin and I decided yesterday to start on the book of Romans after finishing Luke. So this morning, my mind still dwelling on some of the things I’ve been learning about first century Roman culture, I read Eugene Peterson’s excellent introduction to the Book of Romans in The Message:

"When this letter arrived in Rome, hardly anyone read it, certainly no one of influence. There was much to read in Rome – imperial decrees, exquisite poetry, finely crafted moral philosophy – and much of it was world-class. And yet in no time, as such things go, this letter left all those other writings in the dust. Paul’s letter to the Romans has had a far larger impact on its readers than the volumes of all those Roman writers put together."

Paul was writing to believers in the most powerful city in the world. The city was the epicenter of politics, religion, war and culture in that day. In the HBO miniseries you are swept into the lives and machinations of the elite and powerful Romans of that day – for whom Christianity wasn’t even a remote consideration. They are the ones whom Paul describes in Romans Chapter 1…

"What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they
didn’t treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized
themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense
nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but
were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds
the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any
roadside stand.

So
God said, in effect, "If that’s what you want, that’s what you get." It
wasn’t long before they were living in a pigpen, smeared with filth,
filthy inside and out. And all this because they traded the true God
for a fake god, and worshiped the god they made instead of the God who
made them—the God we bless, the God who blesses us. Oh, yes!

And yet, Paul – an insignificant Roman citizen writing from an obscure outpost of the empire humbles himself by claiming to be a "slave" who is presenting a way out of the pig-pen for any who might wish to take a step of faith.

Today, people are still making the mistake of the Romans and waking up to find their lives silly, confused with no direction. The way Paul presented is still open to all who wish to take that same step of faith.

Herod was delighted when Jesus showed up. He had wanted for a long time
to see him, he’d heard so much about him. He hoped to see him do
something spectacular. He peppered him with questions. Jesus didn’t
answer—not one word. But the high priests and religion scholars were
right there, saying their piece, strident and shrill in their
accusations. Luke 23:8-10 (TM)

I find it interesting that Jesus trials encompassed all of the major "earthly" players. The high priest and Sanhedrin represented the religious power of the day. Pilate represented the world power of the Roman Empire. Herod was as ruthless and cunning a local politician as you could find. Jesus stood before each of them – and said nothing. The events of that day were not about earth or Rome or a moment in history. The events of that day were about an eternal plan and a spiritual Kingdom.

This world is not our home. We’re just passin’ through.

Herod was delighted when Jesus showed up. He had wanted for a long time
to see him, he’d heard so much about him. He hoped to see him do
something spectacular. He peppered him with questions. Jesus didn’t
answer—not one word. But the high priests and religion scholars were
right there, saying their piece, strident and shrill in their
accusations. Luke 23:8-10 (TM)

I find it interesting that Jesus trials encompassed all of the major "earthly" players. The high priest and Sanhedrin represented the religious power of the day. Pilate represented the world power of the Roman Empire. Herod was as ruthless and cunning a local politician as you could find. Jesus stood before each of them – and said nothing. The events of that day were not about earth or Rome or a moment in history. The events of that day were about an eternal plan and a spiritual Kingdom.

This world is not our home. We’re just passin’ through.

One day people were standing around talking about the Temple, remarking
how beautiful it was, the splendor of its stonework and memorial gifts.
Jesus said, "All this you’re admiring so much—the time is coming when
every stone in that building will end up in a heap of rubble." Luke 21:5-6 (TM)

I find it fascinating that 40 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection, this prophecy was fulfilled. The temple was destroyed by the Romans, along with the rest of Jerusalem. When the temple was destroyed, so were the geneaological records of the tribes of Israel. Without those records, it would soon be forgotten and/or disputable who was a Levite. Only the Levites can sacrifice according to the Law. God saw to it that "old things pass away".

Jesus said, "Then give Caesar what is his and give God what is his." Luke 20:25b (TM)

Why does it seem that I always happen upon this verse during tax season?

I know we’re supposed to be a "cheerful giver" – does that include being cheerful in our "giving to Caesar"?

I may need your prayer support on that one.