Both Sides of the Aisle

“On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem then. When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased because, for a long time, he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.” Luke 23:6-12 (NIV)

Some say the enemy of your enemy is your friend. Herod and Pilate practiced that well on this day almost 2,000 years ago.

I used to be interested in geopolitics. First thing in the morning, I would browse all the news with a cup of coffee. I used to watch some talk shows. I found them entertaining when the hosts or guests mocked politicians who I didn’t like. I was guided in a way that they had planned carefully. I became their spokesperson, arguing with friends and family on their behalf. They were successful with me until our Lord said, “Stop!“. I couldn’t humble myself, so He had to humble me. When He humbles someone, it is usually not pretty.

“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.” Psalm 146:1-5 (NIV)

Our Lord said to me: “Why did you put your hope on some politicians? Do you think those sinners can bring peace, joy and hope to your soul? They cannot even make one hair white!”

I stopped watching political talk shows at once; in fact, I stopped watching TV and movies altogether, including “The Chosen” (there are 2 posts on Daily Cross about this subject). One year ago, I stopped watching baseball, the only MLB team in Canada that I have been following for many years. I wasn’t interested in the Super Bowl anymore. It took some time to cleanse my heart from all the contaminations of idols in my life. I don’t have social media, and I cannot imagine those who invest countless hours in it.

You ask, was that difficult to leave all those behind?

Well, it looked huge and heavy in the beginning, almost impossible to carry. But once I realized it was all plastic, fake, and filthy, I threw it away without hesitation.

Did you gain anything?

Yes, I picked up a real one, a solid wooden one, and continued my walk with our Lord with joy.

I can guarantee that your mind and heart will be purer without all those noises. Enemies can no longer attack you legally because you no longer invite them through those activities (the enemy is always legalistic). You will also leave your phone far away when you go to sleep. You will have more time to read and write, more time to listen to peaceful music with joy, more energy to work, more creativity in your work, more walking outside and seeing nature with new perspectives, and more time to pray for your family and friends for their salvation. You will also learn to be content regardless of the circumstances, and be eager to help others and expect nothing in return. Reading the bible is no longer a sleepy duty, and the Words come to life!

How?

Because we reject what the world wants us to do, we no longer walk on the wide road with everyone else; we choose a narrow road with a sole focus on the Cross, and only a few are on it. The prince of this world has no our best interest in his plan, and very contrary. Our Lord, who died for our sins on the Cross, has our best interest in His heart. We come to realize that everything has a purpose in God’s plan.

No more interest in politics?

By now, you can see that politics is a wide road. Politicians on both sides of the aisle are the same. They all work for the same motive: “POWER,” in capital letters. They all seek the highest offices on earth. They will entertain you and distract you from being a disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Almost 2,000 years ago, on this day when Herod and Pilate, on both sides of the aisle, became friends, our Lord said to Pilate:

“You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”“John 19:11

Then, He went to the Cross for you and me.

The good news is that by tomorrow, Love will defeat Death.

The wide road and the narrow road never intersect.

May His will be done.

BecomElects Ministry