We, each, are an amalgamation of our history/family and experiences.
This unique combination makes us proud and centered.
It shapes our perceptions and even drives our objectives.
If we lost that, we would be robbed of part of our identity.
We also love our independence and together with our identifiers, we form communities and connections.
I think all peoples want to maintain freedom, culture, beliefs, rights, etc.
I can’t imagine anyone would want those things limited or under another’s control but that is what happened in 63 BCE when Jerusalem was captured and annexed by the Roman Empire. The Jewish people were subject to Roman rule and it remained that way even in Jesus’ lifetime. It was in this climate, that He began His ministry.
The Old Testament contains over 300 prophecies regarding the Messiah.
The Jewish people were banking on this Messiah who would rescue them, but they interpreted it as a liberation from Roman rule and so when Jesus shows up, they think He was the one to do it.
"Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself." - John 6:15
His agenda, though, was a spiritual one. He was not a political figure. In fact, He was apolitical. How do I know? Politics have to do with earthly authority and rule which has no bearing on Jesus who is THE King of the only government that matters: The Kingdom of God. So, why did He appear? He came for one reason only:
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
He came to free His created ones of something much more oppressive than their country’s conqueror: sin and death. The whole of His ministry, He was compelled by His care and compassion for His creation.
"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” - Matthew 9:35-38
His only objective was to love humanity into salvation.
This is why I have been redeemed. Now, I attempt to model my life according to His.
This means, I also have the same objective.
I don’t get sidelined by political rhetoric or current events as if they supersede my spiritual role.
I am here to seek the lost and to point them to God by proclaiming the Good News of freedom from our spiritual oppressors.
All of the rest, I leave in the Hands of my capable God who remains sovereign.
"My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then my servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, my kingdom is not of this realm." Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice" - John 18:36,37
