Increasingly I sense that we are a people ill at easeÉ the financial situation seems increasingly volatile; we fear for the future as confidence in those who “control” these things seems to be on the wane… the competence of those “in power” and the integrity that should go with their position appears to be in increasingly short supplyÉ Violence in both its terrorist and gratuitous forms is still all too present in our newsÉ
And it’s nearly Easter! What has that to do with today and our future?
Amazingly enough the first Easter was supremely a time of judgement! Set before us are people with very different priorities. There is the Zealot, determined to see political change through violence, who also had an eye for improving his own financial situation in the process! There is the Governor, bent on holding on to power, whatever the costÉand the quasiÐreligious, whose goal was to maintain their position in society, and all the prestige that went with it, even if it meant blatantly flouting their religious laws! (which they did)Éand all in their own way determined to achieve their aims by whatever means seemed expedient.
Into their world comes this “nobody” whom they do not, or perhaps will not understand! He seems to have nothing, but yet is both a threat, and whose charisma at least one person thought could be decidedly usefulÉ
And judgement takes place. The Zealot is the first loser, as he realises he is just a pawn in someone else’s hand, and his financial gain is seen as worthless. The “nobody” is the next loser: publicly disposed of, even if it was somewhat embarrassing for those who arranged it! History tells us the Governor didn’t last long, – so he was a loser too, – as were those quasi-religious ones, given decent burials no doubt, but all they strove to maintain was utterly destroyed in AD70.
And the winner? Well, He happens to be around today, ready graciously to show us our priorities, with the love and gentle power to change them so that we stand the judgement of eternity. Come to think of it, could that be the only thing which, in the end, matters! I wish you much lasting joy this Easter season and onwards,
Jim Stevens
St. Paul’s website address is www.stpaulschipperfield.co.uk