For those somewhat familiar with ancient Biblical history, the name Herod doesn’t typically evoke warm fuzzies. Four Herods are mentioned in the New Testament, and three of the four are coupled with some pretty awful actions.
There’s Herod the Great – the cruel and bloodthirsty ruler who had all the male children (two and under) slaughtered because he was a wee bit nervous about the coming of Christ! Nice guy, eh? The kind of fellow you’d love to invite over for tea and toast, and have baby sit your tots!!
I hear a lot of things from a lot of people after a concert. Usually it’s about the music, the message, my story, their story... and ultimately how my story connects with their story. People have lined up to talk for hours along this little "Begone Unbelief" tour, and most of the talk has been encouraging. Many want to talk about autism and I’m thrilled to do so - if our talking will help produce understanding for those who know little, and encouragement for those who (by experience) know too much too well.
Several months ago I had a rather (shall we say) “interesting” conversation with a concert attendee. She was in line to get a CD and an autograph. I had been struck by her posture and deep intensity as she patiently waited her turn. She was clearly watching me - examining my every move, studying my every word and she seemed puzzled. She seemed extremely puzzled.
Are you a violent Christian?
Perhaps you should be!!
No, not in the way that you may be thinking...
...not in the corrupt way of the Crusades,
...or the sinister snipe hunts of the Salem witch trials,
...not like the Westboro Baptist bigot bashers and sinner trashers,
...or even like the radical pro-lifers who justify murder of abortion docs as "a-ok" for the cause.
I'm not even talking about being a violent Christian in the evangelistic sense, like some of the rude (though probably well meaning) tract transferers who are determined to force their tri-fold treatises upon you whether you want them or not. Those who seem happy to holler at you about hell whenever you cross their path.
That's not what I'm talking about. Not at all!!
Jesus, in Matthew 11 says that the violent take the kingdom of heaven by force.
It's a passage that has always troubled me.
What does it mean?
What is Jesus getting at?
