“Those who understand history are condemned to watch other idiots repeat it.”
― Peter Lamborn Wilson
I’m sitting at my keyboard several days after the 2024 election. Donald Trump has been declared the victor. One side now rejoices and posts celebration memes, while the other posts phone numbers for helplines.
The nation is deeply divided. Even worse, the Church in the U.S. A. is deeply divided. Part of the church rejoices that their “prophet’s” predictions were correct and that “God’s anointed” will lead them to victory. The other part grieves as they contemplate the fate of friends and family who are not White cis-gendered heterosexual males. They are confused and depressed. They wonder how people who wear the label Christian can elect a president who is like the anti-Christ described in apocalyptic writings.
I sit at my keyboard and watch as history repeats itself. I grieve. I grieve because my beloved Church has been co-opted, corrupted, and weaponized. I look around, and I see the first century all over again. I’m told to worship the emperor. I’m not a good citizen if I don’t worship the emperor. I’m unpatriotic if I don’t worship the emperor. I deserve imprisonment or death if I don’t worship the emperor.
And yet…I hope. In the first century, the followers of Jesus began a growing movement. They did not seek power or wealth. They sought to follow Jesus’ teachings. Through their kindness and humility, they drew new converts. The followers of The Way increased their numbers daily.
They didn’t need a billion-dollar ad campaign. They allowed their actions to speak for them. They took care of the poor and the sick. Those in the community who had wealth helped the oppressed, the widow, and the orphan. The early church won new believers through its love and care.
This is where we are today, my beloved. We have come full circle. History repeats. It’s the first century all over again. As followers of Jesus, each of us now has a part to play. Teachers must pass on the teachings of Jesus. We must separate the wheat of Jesus’ teachings from the chaff of the militarized and weaponized church. Pastors must care for the flock. Many followers of Jesus are hurting. Pastors must walk alongside the sheep who need care and tend to their wounds. Prophets must stand and speak Truth to power no matter the consequences. “FEAR NOT” must be the steely backbone of today’s true prophets. Elders must be the example. They must model the life of Christ in the flesh, here and now, to show Christ to the world. Apostles (Missionaries) must carry the message that what has been passed off as Christianity is a false religion. They must bring hope to those who are hopeless. They share the secret that the followers of Jesus still exist. Disciples must love one another. Take care of one another, my beloved. Love wins.
God only knows how long we must relive this cycle. Followers of Jesus, we are living in an oppressive and antagonistic empire that will attempt to force a false religion on us. Our loyalty and patriotism will be questioned. As followers of Jesus, we are not loyal to the empire — but to the Kingdom of God. Do not lose hope; God is faithful!
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:35
