Standing by the Gate

I am troubled. Troubled because I have seen and heard so many accounts lately of people who have hijacked our faith to promote un-Christian stances. Most of this comes from recent political advertisements. There was the woman in Idaho who, in her political advertisement, laid her hand-gun on top of her Bible implying she would kill others who threatened her faith. When I saw that I said to my wife, “She certainly has not read that Bible.” Then there is the Internet star pastor who told his congregation that Democrats were Satan’s workers. Even the Buffalo shooter, like many of his predecessors, had some warped vision of the Christian faith. 

This troubles me because to be Christian is to love. That is our commandment from Jesus. It also is our history. We began today by reading Acts. Paul met the Christian’s outside of the gate to the city. You know the reason for that. Their faith, how they worshiped God, was not accepted by the citizens of the city. They met outside because they were not welcomed in the city. There are several Biblical accounts of the disciples being driven out of the city (or arrested) because they proclaimed their faith.

Our reading from Revelation also reminds us that nations will be gathered in the new Jerusalem. Revelation also tells us that the first to be called into the kingdom are God’s chosen people – the Jews. While we try to divide people into categories, God brings people together. While we try to be exclusive, God is inclusive. It is not our role to decide who is and who is not accepted into God’s family. Our role is to invite everyone.

We are called by Jesus to put away our prejudices and judgments, pick up our cross, and follow him. A difficult task, I know. Others are calling us also – away from the love of God to the love of worldly goods and ideas. And we have answered that call many times. But, unlike the world, when we fall, Jesus forgives us, picks us up, and welcomes us back. Jesus does so time after time. While the world will abandon you when the money's all gone and you don’t have the strength or desire to go on, Jesus will be there with redemption. The struggle is hard. So, in the coming week spend some time with Jesus. Read from his book and pray so that you can answer his command to love others as he loves us even those who are standing outside the gate.

Christ is risen! Alleluia!