Zealots

2000 years ago, there were many players on the stage leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. Among them were the Roman overloads and their lackeys, the priests, Pharisees and scribes, the mob, zealots, the disciples, and the Christ.

The zealots dreamed of the coming Messiah riding at the head of an army driving the Romans out of Jerusalem, and reining in there place. What they mostly did was attack people whom they considered sympathizers to the Romans, in other words they attacked those they claimed to be fighting for, much the way modern terrorist routinely attack what they consider soft targets. Some scholars believe Judas, a zealot, betrayed Jesus in an attempt to force Him to start this final war.

It is sad the Hutaree, the so called Christian militia making news this last week, did not learn the lesson Judas offers them. Evan if everything their paranoia led them to believe is true; they still chose Judas as a model for their actions. Evan if they plotted to kill no one, they still advocated buying guns for the coming battle and taught themselves to kill. Give them every benefit of the doubt and they still betray Christ and give fuel to all who would discredit Him. They ignore the command “Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.” Eph 6:10,
And the admonition, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,” Eph 6:12a.

Repent, you zealots, turn from your own fear and fear and trust in the Lord. It is the beginning of wisdom for you.