Christian Zealotry

Paul was an extremist, a zealot. Protecting the integrity of Judaism and Torah was his mission. His purpose was to bring Israel into God’s good graces, that Messiah might come, deliver Israel from Roman oppression, and re-establish the Davidic monarchy.

Going to Damascus to imprison and kill followers of Jesus, Paul was struck blind. That changed his life’s direction. Being zealous for God did not change. His methods, strategies, character, and purpose, however, shifted dramatically. He was as committed as ever. He just accepted that violence against people was misdirected and ill-conceived. God needed no crusaders to wield violence, coercion, and intimidation in God’s name. God wanted us embracing the greater commandment of love.

Embracing Jesus as Messiah set aside political goals for Israel. Violence became an inappropriate tool for advancing Jesus’ good news of grace. Paul left those who leveled unfounded accusations against Jesus or his followers. He now bore the brunt of the violence and the slander hurled against him, the same he had once hurled.

In one sense, Paul was still an extremist. He was completely dedicated to following God. Zealotry took on a wholly new character and methods of interaction. Paul’s reborn extremism made him look much more like Jesus.

Jesus’ extremism is in the use of grace, love, and mercy.

Jesus’ extremism is living for the welfare of others.

It is generosity and kindness.

It is expanding the reach of God’s grace and love.

It wields peace and setting aside fear, force, violence, and coercion.

It accepts those we tend to be the least comfortable including at our tables.

It includes Judas in the last supper, even washing his feet.

It forgives Peter before Peter had yet denied him.

That’s not the extremism we normally see. It is the only kind that resonates with the character of Christ Jesus. If our actions don’t smell like Jesus, they are not of Christ. Wielding Christianity to advance a political agenda that harms people God loves is never of Christ. It takes Christ's name in vain.



— ©Copyright 2023, Christopher B. Harbin 



http://www.sermonsearch.com/contributors/104427/

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