I used to be one that would say “I won’t talk about politics or religion.” I now think how immature that is. I think people say that because they know little about either. I do not know much about politics as I have ingrained in my thought process a generalization that “all” politicians are greedy, liars and selfish men and women who think only about what they will get if they have to sell their vote. With religion, I would really like to strike up conversations about my Catholic faith and the love I have for God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Maybe that’s the blessing for spending time with Jesus and getting to know our awesome God!
So today in the Book of Ezra, we have an early day politician, King Darius. He has power to rule. In the case of religion and the Jewish leaders, this is an order that he issued…
“Let the governor and the elders of the Jews continue the work on that house of God; they are to rebuild it on its former site. I also issue this decree concerning your dealing with these elders of the Jews in the rebuilding of that house of God: From the royal revenue, the taxes of West-of-Euphrates, let these men be repaid for their expenses, in full and without delay. I, Darius, have issued this decree; let it be carefully executed.”
Wow! Some support for religion. How refreshing and even the willingness to repay the elders of the Jews for their expenses in building the house of God. Today, we are experiencing a great attack on our religious liberty and freedom from our leaders. It seems to be okay to go to church, pray at church, worship at church and enjoy all that the church has to offer. But once I leave that house of God, I am supposed to leave my God at the church and not bring Him into the public square with me.
That sounds pretty foolish to me but it is quickly becoming more of a reality. The murdering of children in abortion is also pretty foolish and a grave sin, but it is legal. God created man and a woman, suitable partners, to multiply. He gave us the Sacrament of Marriage. It is also pretty foolish to think that two men or two women can now be married, but it is legal. If a person is getting old and suffering, it is legal in some places and becoming legal in others to terminate them under the beautiful title of “assisted suicide!” How foolish is that? Who is really suffering, the patient or those who do not want to pay or have the burden of taking care of the suffering and dying. Comments like “it’s hard to watch one suffer” is used so often. So, now it becomes a selfish reason to not want to take care of the suffering because it is selfishly difficult. Look at the cross! Are we immune to the suffering of Jesus? Do we realize that He suffered for us so that we can live?
Sorry for the rant. It just came out. I thank God for King Darius that in this case, he was of great support in his leadership. Our leadership today, our dysfunctional, disagreeing, selfish and greedy society that I am a part of today, SUCKS! Lord, save us from the lies, the greed, the murder and all the intrinsic evil that we, our society believe is good. You let your people learn from their disobedience by enslavement to the Egyptians and Pharaoh. Lord, I am fearful that in our disobedience, there will be more enslavement to sin. Maybe this is our punishment to enjoy our sin and it’s consequences.
Lord Jesus, please save us. Amen.
Seeking To Reflect Jesus 