Just imagine if your nation’s chief executive proposed that a horse be elected to a top governmental position. Or that this leader was openly pursuing a romantic relationship with his sister along with forcing senator’s wives into prostitution. Just imagine him being eventually replaced by another—who immediately murdered all of the advisors that helped him attain his position; who later would blame and persecute a minority group within his nation for a fire that burned down part of the capital city. Just imagine this leader being replaced by the next up who became famous for completely eradicating an entire city under his rule—a religious center. Imagine him being followed by other leaders who only increased this oppression by incarcerating, persecuting and killing religious minorities across the land. Just imagine.
But the Jews and Christians in first century Palestine did not have to imagine. They lived it. From Caligula to Nero to Vespasian to Titus to Domitian they were at the mercy of the wickedness, whims and weirdness of these Roman emperors. Powerless against them and without the benefits of a democratic form of government, they had to navigate the prejudice, lies, wrath, scandals and political shenanigans of Rome. They had nowhere to turn (except the Lord); no representative to contact; for most, no judicial court system to which to appeal; no next election to vote the bums out. Civil rights were not a thing.
Maybe a rebellion would work? Organize a riot; a mob; resist; pushback; rage against the system! Some did think of that. They all died violently in Jerusalem or on top of a hill called Masada. A couple of those chief executives listed above saw to that. Rome did not recognize the right to protest.
But others then thought differently. Submit to these authorities, they were counseled. Instead of insurrection, they sought to live peaceful and quiet lives in humility. They were advised to pay their taxes along with showing respect to those in authority and to even pray for and “honor the king.” Wow. That seems like a huge ask considering who their kings were. There were reasons for this they were told. God could actually work through even these corrupt governments and showing them respect actually could be beneficial in silencing some of the lies, slander and ignorance being spread about these Christians. It could even point some toward the reason behind the good behavior—God himself. (See Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2 & 1 Peter 2:13-17 for full contexts.)
This group, they were not seeking a political savior. They already had the heaven-sent One who could not be so corrupted. As he lost his life to bring salvation, his disciples were asked to do the same. And they did, but none of it was in vain. The entire world including the Roman world was transformed as a result. Eventually, even future Roman rulers would embrace this movement that their predecessors tried to erase. Amazing what quiet and peaceful lives following this Savior accomplished.
How do these ideas land now? How does this resonate with our 21st century concerns and sensibilities—especially in the current supercharged divisive dumpster-fire that is the American political culture? Maybe it is time for those quiet and peaceful, but intentionally God-glorifying lives to begin making differences again. So that others “may see your good deeds and glorify God.”
It only takes a little yeast to work through the whole lump of dough. Let’s be the yeast, not the lump. Let’s take the advice of Scripture and see what God can do with purposeful quiet and peaceful lives designed to lift up the only Savior while demonstrating grace, humility and respect in a world void of such. It was transformational once and it can be again.
Adventures in Preaching 