I’m listening to the news and recent headlines reported violent criminals here illegally were being deported due to murder, gang involvement, violence, and illegal drugs. The deportations are a consequence of their actions. Then, I hear a judge is trying to stop the deportations of violent criminals. He and some mayors are willing to fight for the criminals (child rapists, drug lords) and vie for control versus concern for families and children (including our immigrant families and children). How are control and criminals placed before the well-being of ALL families and children?
The Jewish priests wanted Jesus dead. Jesus challenged them relative to their power, their control. He pointed out Himself as the only way to God, to eternal life and this truth made the Jewish leaders insecure in their religious atrocities and hypocrisies. They did not want to lose control of their people. They wanted the criminal Barabbas released in order to murder Christ, our Savior. The Jewish priests wanted control over the people with no concern for their lives. What a parallel to today………..the evils perpetuated for control. They (Jewish leaders) would rather a criminal be released to prey on the innocent versus letting Jesus care well for the poor and oppressed in their midst.
Do I have more concern for me than others? Do I have to be in control to be the winner? Help me love well and NOT crucify others with thoughts, words, and deeds for the allure of power and control. We are all so competitive…wanting control over the well-being of people, of each other.
Thankfully, Jesus became the substitute for us and our sins and fulfilled the prophesies of the coming king, born in a manger, preaching love and salvation through his death and resurrection. One criminal that was beside Jesus during His final hours went to Heaven. Forgiveness is possible for everyone. The Bible talks about justice and righteousness for everyone, especially the poor and oppressed. While we should also care for the criminals there was a difference………the criminal beside Jesus who mocked Him was NOT told He would go to Heaven but the criminal who turned to Him was told that he would meet Him in Heaven that day.
While America is not Heaven, people who do NOT turn from sin and who continually hurt others do not need to be ALLOWED to prey upon the innocent and poor (primarily children). WE all sin but there are consequences. And, in our attempt to control our environments, we do NOT need to hurt others. We must be vigilant and protective over the children or students in our care…….and, share His light to everyone. Jesus is the only way, and may I not worship anything else whether it be myself, or power and control, or people or objects or agendas. All are not eventually purified, there is only one Way. Grant us wisdom to do what is right in His eyes and help us follow His mission in the care and love of people. Praying for all of us to turn to Him and away from sin.
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