Actor Jim Caviezel knew he was taking a controversial role when he played Jesus in the 2004 film "The Passion of the Christ." Since that role Caviezel says he has been "rejected in my own industry," a consequence director Mel Gibson warned him about before accepting the role. "He said, 'You'll never work in this town again.' I told him, 'We all have to embrace our crosses.'" Caviezel told an audience of churchgoers in Orlando, Florida, according to the UK Daily Mail. "Jesus is as controversial now as he has ever been," he continued. "Not much has changed in 2,000 years." The actor said he wasn't worried about his career, however, saying that his faith guides him both personally and professionally. He also encouraged people not to look down Gibson, who was arrested for drunk driving and accused of making anti-Semitic remarks. "Mel Gibson, he's a horrible sinner, isn't he?" Caviezel said. "Mel Gibson doesn't need your judgment, he needs your prayers." - From Crosswalk.com, Religion Today Summaries, 05-03-11
We talked of judgment on Sunday. We were told by Jesus, "Judge not." My theologically and politically liberal friends, as I mentioned yesterday, had difficulty judging Osama Bin Laden. Interestingly, many of them did not have a problem judging Mel Gibson for his alcoholism and his anti-semitic rants. Certainly, Gibson's very public fall was ugly. However, I find it quite ironic that a pathetic alcohol binge with anti-semitic ranting merits high judgment, whereas a mass murderer gets some semblance of (belated) mercy. Deepening the irony, these same friends that decry Gibson's anti-semitism are no friends to the land of Israel.
The World is not a friend to the cause of Jesus. Just ask Jim Caviezel. The goals of the World are not alligned with God's goals. The World is at enmity with God. The Bible is repleat with this truth:
"Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:15-17)
"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." (James 4:4)
Paul tells Timothy that anyone wanting to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus "will be persecuted." The world is at complete enmity toward God. There is no partnership between the two. We are told we are strangers and aliens here, and that our citizenship is in Heaven.
Are you expecting ease as you fast? Are you expecting that family life, workplace drama and even your personal demeanor will ease as you delve into the depths of God? You are turning your back on the World. Do not expect the principalities and powers of this World to be appreciative. If a blockbuster actor like Jim Caviezel and a world-class actor-director like Mel Gibson can stir up such dissension and anger, do you think Satan will be satisfied to leave you to your peace?
But we do not put our trust in the things of this World. We do not look for the approval of our fellow-man. We humble ourselves and seek to please God, for, as we are told, "But this I say, brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none; and those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess; and those who use the world, as though they did not make full use of it; for the form of this world is passing away." (1 Cor. 7:29-31)
Jesus has the best, and final, word on this issue: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)
Measure judgment carefully. Discern wisely. Know your enemy. People are not the enemy, but the principalities they obey are, if they are of the World.
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