Matthew 22:34
The Pharisees would normally be pretty happy about the shaming of the Sadducees. However, united against what they saw as a common foe, they relished no victory. This kind of persecution is still rampant today. For example, the satanist and the Muslim would have little in common. But, if either rise to the heights of national control, the persecution of Christians (and other religions) would be on their list of things to do. Many religious groups are this way. Though they claim tolerance, most religions do not actually believe in what we would call freedom of religion. Freedom of religion in its pure form literally means that no force will be used to advance religious belief. The government, individuals, and policies of social organizations can allow it, but cannot enforce it. This is the bedrock of what it means to be a Baptist. We come from a long line of persons with freedom of religion ideas.
We have got this confused in America. Here we know think that freedom of religion means that we cannot allow religion to play any part in public life. That is ridiculous! Public systems and institutions are made up of individuals, and those individuals will have a religion. And the powers that be have every right to allow and promote the religions represented by their constituents and representatives. What the authorities of our land may not do, according to freedom of religion, is require or impose a religion. When a religious practice, belief, or observance is outlawed, this may only be done if the basis for the law is violence itself. In other words, if a religion requires an individual to physically harm another individual, that religious practice may be outlawed. Even then exceptions can and will apply. For example Jews and many Christians will circumcise their children, which should be allowed. A religious practice, belief, or observance may not be required by law. Allowed by law, fine. Promoted by law, fine. Required by law, very dangerous.
For the Pharisees and Sadducees, as many modern religions, control in this world was of great concern. Ultimate influence over all of the earth is the goal. True freedom and absolute control are mutually exclusive concepts in an imperfect world. As Jesus made it plain to Pilate, the kingdom of the saints is not of this world. When Jesus is ready for world domination, he will impose it personally. Only upon his authority as the Creator may this be done. If the mission of the Christian was world domination, that task would already have been completed.
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 30:1-32:52
Scripture Memory: James 2:4 “Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You give us a love for each other and a love for this world that is unmatched. There is so much hate and fear and greed and pride, and the like, in this world. May we be reflections of Your glorious holiness. May we live as mirrors of Your perfect love. You can make us so much kinder and more pleasant than we would otherwise be. Thank You for Your working in our lives through Jesus! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You. Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a young woman visiting in a foreign country. Pray for a couple going through a lot right now. Pray for a woman seeking the Lord’s direction in her life.
Journal Entry #14165