Post by Archangelwolf on Apr 4, 2004 19:11:26 GMT -5
Some people wonder about the significance of the timing of Jesus ministry. Why did He come at that time? Why did He not come 200 years earlier or 500 years later? There are certainly theories and discussions out there, but I believe the most apparent was the reflection of the times. Israel was awaiting their messiah, and there were four different groups of "waiting." I also believe that these four groups represent four basic tenets of our modern day.
1. Pharisees: They believed that the reason the messiah had not come was because of Israel's continuance to sin. So they put into practice a way of isolating those living in sin in hopes that they would repent in order to come back into Jewish society. This is why the Pharisees had a hard time with Jesus covorting with those of ill repute.
Many Christians today believe that the reason Jesus has not returned yet is because of all the sin in the world. They believe that Jesus will return when all the world finally accepts Him as their Saviour.
2. Sadduccees: This group, which included the infamous Herod family, believed in "making the best of the situation." The Romans were very powerful, and so this group did not want to "make waves." They insisted that the Jews accept their current lot in life, and "play nice with the Romans." This group would have problems with Jesus words about "His Kingdom."
This group could represent those Christians who accept the world as it is, and refuse to try and change it. Many Christians do not want to make waves, especially in America where Christianity is tolerated. We do not want to jeopardize our freedom of religion by protesting violence, wars, and other sins of humanity that are evident in our own American society; and in some cases we even participate to fit in.
3. Zealots: This group believed that "God only helps those who help themselves." So, they believed that to bring about the messiah, they needed action. This group was mostly responsible for the little revolts that occurred against Roman rule, for they believed that the messiah would rise up in the midst of these revolts. This group had problems with Jesus talking about "turning the other cheek," and "loving your enemies."
This group represents those Christians who bomb abortion clinics, crash into mosques, practice anti-semitism, and such. They believe that Jesus will return "by force if necessary."
4. Essenes: This group believed that the time of the messiah was imminent. So, they isolated themselves in caves outside Jerusalem. Believed by Jews to this day to be the founding cult of Christianity, this group believed in total isolation from the corrupt society of Roman rule. The problem with this being the Jewish "Jesus cult" is that the Essenes would have had a problem with Jesus remaining so social within Judeo-Roman society.
This group could represent those in Christian circles who choose to isolate from society to wait for Christ's return. The Mennonites come to mind. Perhaps the Jehovah's Witnesses to some degree. The problem is that, how can we win people to Christ if we isolate from them?
5. Jesus Revolution: The Messiah, and His Kingdom, is beyond politics and violence. It is about love. God's Kingdom can exist regardless of the powers that be on earth. If we choose to have faith in God, and love one another; then we can experience the Kingdom of God. In essence, we become part of creation once again, as God had initially intended way back in the "Garden of Eden."
The message of Christ for modern day Christians is to love one another, and get back to God's agenda of creating the world. Technology and knowledge are not evil in and of themselves. We must use them as part of God's Holy plan: to preserve life on this planet, and protect the beauty that exists within it.
Arch.
1. Pharisees: They believed that the reason the messiah had not come was because of Israel's continuance to sin. So they put into practice a way of isolating those living in sin in hopes that they would repent in order to come back into Jewish society. This is why the Pharisees had a hard time with Jesus covorting with those of ill repute.
Many Christians today believe that the reason Jesus has not returned yet is because of all the sin in the world. They believe that Jesus will return when all the world finally accepts Him as their Saviour.
2. Sadduccees: This group, which included the infamous Herod family, believed in "making the best of the situation." The Romans were very powerful, and so this group did not want to "make waves." They insisted that the Jews accept their current lot in life, and "play nice with the Romans." This group would have problems with Jesus words about "His Kingdom."
This group could represent those Christians who accept the world as it is, and refuse to try and change it. Many Christians do not want to make waves, especially in America where Christianity is tolerated. We do not want to jeopardize our freedom of religion by protesting violence, wars, and other sins of humanity that are evident in our own American society; and in some cases we even participate to fit in.
3. Zealots: This group believed that "God only helps those who help themselves." So, they believed that to bring about the messiah, they needed action. This group was mostly responsible for the little revolts that occurred against Roman rule, for they believed that the messiah would rise up in the midst of these revolts. This group had problems with Jesus talking about "turning the other cheek," and "loving your enemies."
This group represents those Christians who bomb abortion clinics, crash into mosques, practice anti-semitism, and such. They believe that Jesus will return "by force if necessary."
4. Essenes: This group believed that the time of the messiah was imminent. So, they isolated themselves in caves outside Jerusalem. Believed by Jews to this day to be the founding cult of Christianity, this group believed in total isolation from the corrupt society of Roman rule. The problem with this being the Jewish "Jesus cult" is that the Essenes would have had a problem with Jesus remaining so social within Judeo-Roman society.
This group could represent those in Christian circles who choose to isolate from society to wait for Christ's return. The Mennonites come to mind. Perhaps the Jehovah's Witnesses to some degree. The problem is that, how can we win people to Christ if we isolate from them?
5. Jesus Revolution: The Messiah, and His Kingdom, is beyond politics and violence. It is about love. God's Kingdom can exist regardless of the powers that be on earth. If we choose to have faith in God, and love one another; then we can experience the Kingdom of God. In essence, we become part of creation once again, as God had initially intended way back in the "Garden of Eden."
The message of Christ for modern day Christians is to love one another, and get back to God's agenda of creating the world. Technology and knowledge are not evil in and of themselves. We must use them as part of God's Holy plan: to preserve life on this planet, and protect the beauty that exists within it.
Arch.
