A Savior on Capitol Hill

Once again I find myself surrendering my joy to things unworthy of it.  I allow myself to become too consumed with the embarrassment caused by our nation's leaders and I allow myself to become too irritated by the ridiculous things I hear people say about said embarrassment.  As I have been studying for my sermon from Luke 19:28-44 my eyes have been graciously lifted above the fray.  I recall a story from earlier in Luke where some people tried to drag Jesus into a political debate concerning some poor souls who had been murdered by the Romans.  Not only murdered, but their blood had been mingled with the blood of the Temple sacrifice.  This was a blasphemous and tragic insult beyond our modern mind's ability to truly empathize.  Jesus (who's Father established every law broken by this travesty) completely side-stepped the issue.  He went directly to the spiritual jugular and forced their nearsighted eyes to gaze eternity in its glorious face.  "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."   Or, my paraphrastic interpretation, "This is the kind of heartache that happens on a sin-cursed planet, which is exactly why you need Me."

In my text for Sunday Jesus' disciples display a remarkable understanding of this truth.  After so many teachings, so many stories, so many miracles they finally get it.  They so totally get it that they don't care what the crowds think, what the religious experts think, or what the Romans think.  They praise Jesus will full voice in a lavish display that totally freaks the Pharisees out.  As the disciples call Him King and declare that He is sent from God, the Pharisees pull Jesus aside and beg Him to rebuke his guys.  They are probably expecting the Romans to sweep in and crush the rebellion at any minute.  Jesus says, "Nah, can't do it.  Besides, if I did, the rocks would cry out.  I am the King.  I am the Savior.  This is going to happen and nothing will stop it!"  Reflect on history with me for a moment.  The Roman Empire no longer exists.  Those particular religious sects no longer exist.  But the praise of the King continues to rise, and is not slowing down at all.

Why do I let myself get anxious, irritated, and opinionated about things that aren't going to last?  About things that aren't going to save anyone?  More importantly, why do I allow these things to rob me of the joyful praise of my King?

If you find yourself wrapped up in all the political nonsense filling the airwaves, this song is for you: