If Jesus Walked the Earth in 2020

What is to be the goal of each and every Christian life? To be conformed to the image of Christ and bring the Hope of the Gospel to all nations.


When our Savior walked among us, He taught us the greatest commandment - you should love the LORD your God with all that is within you - and you should love your neighbor in the same way you treasure your own life.


When the Messiah came to earth, the people of Israel expected a King who would overthrow the government and justify the hatred in their hearts towards those who ruled over them.


But what sort of a King did they get? One who rode into Jerusalem on a donkey's colt, not a warhorse (John 12).  Who paid taxes to a pagan government (Matthew 17).  Who tended to those who were sick and in need, while challenging religious leaders to embrace compassion over legalism (Matthew 23).


He put the lives of others before His own. He submitted His life, His work and His desire for His own interests to take precedence to His Father's will (Phil 2).


He humbled Himself.


He lay His life down - literally - so that the world would know that the heart of God is not "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" (in case you didn't know, that's what we call Religious Nationalism).


Christ came in compassion. He healed the sick. He raised the dead. He taught His followers to look after each other and any person in need.


What words came from His mouth?  Love your neighbor.  Serve others.  Give your life for your friends.  Die to yourself.  Bless your enemies.  Be a peacemaker.  Care for the sick.


What didn't come out of Jesus' mouth?  Protect your rights.  Look after your own interests.  Revolt against governing authorities.


When He preached, His sermons consisted of the Good News that God desires to reconcile all people to Himself - not the need to organize a rebellion.


If Jesus walked the earth in 2020 - what would He be doing?  I know He wouldn't be doing anything different than He did roughly 2,000 years ago.  His priorities don't change.


What does He think of us when we speak and preach politics instead of the words from His mouth? When we are more concerned with preserving our autonomy than sacrificing our desires and our time for the sake of being compassionate, respectful and providing souls a way to find peace and forgiveness in Christ?


Let us "imitate God, therefore, in everything we do, because we are His dear children." (Ephesians 5)

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