LK 13: 31-35 

Laterally Luke…Lent 3…2019

Like so many others, I’m much impressed by NZ Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, & her handling of the monstrous situation created by the terrorist in Christchurch. In doing so, she’s holding up a model of leadership sorely lacking in many of our lands & their politics. She is, first & foremost, caring for her people, beginning with the Muslim victims & their families. Moving among them as she’s doing, I can’t recall seeing any other politician doing it in such a way as to keep the victims & their needs at the centre of life, rather than what’s in it for them at the next election. No one less fox-like than JA!

In preaching this passage, I’d choose to preach about the politics of God, versus the politics of our human societies, of whatever kind. The epithet 'fox' brands Herod, like the rest of that family, as ‘crafty’; willing do anything to grab power & stay in power. Over anyone & everyone’s dead bodies, literally or figuratively! How many of our local politicians come to mind when the issue of ‘craftiness’ comes up? Too many politicians are more interested in the power over others they can gain, & the sense of entitlement, the perks that go with it, than in the good of their people. More & more ordinary people are feeling disenfranchised & powerless as a result. This is showing up virtually all over the world except where such demonstrations are prevented.

Why the Pharisees take it upon themselves to warn Jesus isn't clear. They're His sworn enemies! What’s in it for them? Is it as simple as them hating the Herods even more than they hate this upstart, would-be Messiah, Jesus! If so, they’re bringing their own brand of craftiness to bear. These Pharisees, their approach to Jesus, & His response to them, is a timely reminder of how complicated life with its make & break alliances can get if we take only the short-sighted view!

In the alliances we make & break - in family, community, church, etc., are we crafty as foxes in any sense? If so, we need to beware the politics of God breaking in on us & our craftinesses! As disciples we’re not called to be Jesus’ allies only when there’s something in it for us; when it suits us & any craftiness we may have drifted into! Our call is to be constant, committed, & doggedly Jesus' friends! What about our own 'today, tomorrow, & the third day'? Let’s preach them as gifts of God’s Grace to us. Live out our own personal resurrection each & every day. 

 Brian

Afterthought: It’s an inspired idea, no matter who originated it, that tomorrow’s (Friday March 22nd) call to prayer from one of the devastated mosques will be broadcast live throughout NZ to mark the burials taking place, an act of solidarity across all faiths & none, of brother & sisterhood, & of defiance to evil of any & every brand. Can we join in, in some way, & pray for those who are victims in any sense, & for NZ as its people as they move forward together to their own ‘third day’?