Then he told a parable to a 2020 audience who trusted in themselves as purveyors of truth—those convinced that they were called to expose false reports and share the real truth about this crisis:
“Three men went to church to pray, two of them truth-tellers (Pharisees) and the other an introspective sort (publican). The first truth-teller stood and prayed thus with himself, “God, I thank you that you have given me better discernment regarding the news and the times than other people—conspiracy theorists, fear-mongers, and talk show crazies. I listen to the government, I do what the experts say, and I don’t call main stream media “lame stream media.” I thank you that, if the virus gets worse or if it goes away, I can still prove that I was right and all other doubters were wrong. Please bless my truth-telling mission, dear Lord, to win my battles for You.” The second truth-teller stood and prayed thus with himself, “God, I thank you that you have showed me that I can never trust anything from main stream media. All of their content is lies, and anyone who believes the mainstream media, the “experts,” and big government is just wrong. Thank you, God, that you have revealed to me that this crisis is a hoax from the deep state, and thank you that You will show me who the deep state is so that I can expose them. Thank you that, if the virus explodes, I can blame it on the deep state, but if the virus is contained soon, I can prove that all this stay-at-home stuff was bogus. Either way, I win and the other clowns lose. Please bless my truth-telling mission, dear Lord.” The introspective sort, standing away from the other two, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but closed his eyes and put his hands on his chest, saying, “God, some days I don’t even know what is truth regarding all this news out there. But I need you. I confess I have gotten angry at others, I have been confused sometimes over what is truth, and I have lashed out wrongly. I’m turning back to you, because I know you are truth. Jesus said “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” I’m running back to You. Your Kingdom is an unshakeable Kingdom, so I’ll major on the truths of your unshakeable Kingdom. God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Today's Perspective, loosely modeled after Luke 18:11-13 Polarization on this matter is real, even in the Christian community. I believe God is calling us to focus on “the knowledge of Him (Jesus) who called us by his own glory and goodness.” His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness! And how so? “Through our knowledge of him who called us by His own glory and goodness!” Let us know, let us listen to know the Lord. Some of the news is fake, at both ends of the spectrum. Even the real stuff is scary and fearful, so we will do ourselves and our family a favor to greatly limit the intake of news during this season. Focus on knowing Jesus. Sure, I have opinions. We all do. I may be right about some of my opinions, but I may also be wrong about some. I come to this discussion with a particular bias and perspective that colors my viewpoint and has the capacity to fuzz what should be clear. So I’m heading back to the ultimate message of truth. This is the time before Resurrection Sunday to think about Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. A sacrificial Lamb died for me and for you. And then on the third day Jesus rose from the dead. He is now seated at the right hand of the majesty on High! We are called to be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven, here and now. Christians, our full focus should be on the Kingdom of God now! If there is any “deep state” we should consider and study, it is this: “Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me.” Psalm 42:7. It’s time to say “Father, forgive us.” We have been focusing on the less-important truths that we will not be able to change anyway. It is time to again repent and believe the good news of Jesus, the everlasting gospel for all people everywhere! Rich Also he spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men--extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:12-14)
4 Comments
|
Rich SchwartzSon of the Father, husband to Sandy, father of six amazing gifts, Bronx brother, active participant in Believers in Jesus Church, insurance adjuster, occasional runner Archives
February 2022
|