If only.

Am I right?

If only we had some kind of lesson or foreshadowing from history.

I mean the kind of foreshadowing that might be able to teach us the best way for humans to relate to one another. 

Some kind of historical precedent that conclusively said, “Here. THIS is way of being human and living in the world produces joy… peace… confidence… fulfillment. As opposed to this OTHER way of living that produces only greed… despair… violence… poverty and misery.”

Wouldn’t that be AMAZING? Just think how much sorrow could have been avoided. IF ONLY there had been that kind of clear, objective, rigorously tested and proven model we could look at and learn from. 

**SIGH**

Of course I am being totally sarcastic here, with a little dash of snark thrown in for good measure. That’s because there actually IS such a model for us to learn from. A model that has been in place for more than 2,000 years.

It is called the Christian faith… the model built on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

During the time Jesus walked the earth, the Roman Empire called the shots. Different Caesars oversaw the affairs of a very far-flung empire. They conquered with armies, imposed taxes, crushed opposition, and built monuments to their authority. This empire was the first to coin the phrase, “Peace through strength.”

But then a Jewish rabbi from the backwoods, Podunk town of Nazareth appeared on the scene. He proceeded to turn everything upside down. He said – among other things – “Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” And while it is not recorded in any scripture passage I’m aware of, he easily also could have said, “Strength through peace.”

It was Rome vs. Jesus. Power vs. compassion. Might vs. mercy. Self-aggrandizement vs. self-sacrifice.

Guess who won?

In the short run, of course, Rome did. Jesus met the same fate that anyone who opposed Rome’s rule met. A brutal, horrific public execution… an execution designed to send a message to anyone else who had thoughts of speaking up.

In the long run, bigger picture though? Where is that ruthless Roman Empire today? 

I heard a story this morning about the fledgling Christian community in Rome in the 250s and the Roman, non-Christian community. The story painted a vivid picture of the contrast between the two. When a deadly plague struck Rome, most citizens – including doctors – fled the city for fear of contamination. The Christians – a persecuted minority – chose to stay behind. They visited people who had been infected. Took them food and drink and offered them comfort. 

They ministered to Christians and non-Christians alike. Encouraging this kind of sacrificial service, the episcopal leader of the Christian community in Rome, Bishop Cyprian said, “What credit is it to us Christians if we just help Christians? Anyone can do that. We have to help not just the household of faith, but everyone.”

And yes, some of them got sick and died as a result. But the simple act of providing food and drink to plague victims also saved countless lives. As a result, many people were drawn to this strange, counter-cultural faith and its adherents.

What was true then is true now. Power and strength win in the short run. Mercy, compassion, sacrificial love, and faith in God prevail ultimately.

So yes, we DO have a model. There actually IS a well-documented historical precedent that clearly maps out the way that leads to a purposeful, peace-filled, loving existence.

Why do you suppose so many are so reluctant to choose it?

Abundant blessings;