Jesus and the Conspiracy Theorist

Who was behind the assassination of JFK? What is really happening in Area 51? Are there sinister forces behind the Coronavirus pandemic? Is compulsory mask wearing the thin edge of the wedge that will lead to the mark of the beast?

Questions like these would normally be discussed by people on the fringes but now these questions are centre stage. The anxiety of the pandemic and the new restrictions have definitely encouraged conspiracy theories to develop. But they were centre stage way before 2020.

I guess this is linked to the decline in trust people have for in those in authority. We listen to our politicians and assume we're not being told everything. We're being kept in the dark. We're now more aware than maybe ever before that our news comes with a bias. More of us than ever believe that those in authority can't be trusted. They have an agenda that isn't always for our good.

Growing up I loved reading about UFO sightings, the moon landings, corn circles, JFK etc. It fascinated me that these theories existed and people passionately held to them. But these ideas (when I was younger) could only be found in a few books in the library, now they are spread much more freely on the internet. If the X Files (Google it) were written for our day, Muller and Scully wouldn't be risking their lives tracking down the truth in the 'field' but they'd be following the bread crumbs left by QAnon on the internet.

And the truth seems to be that the "fate of the world hangs in the balance". It is unknown whether good or evil will win.

I'm not going to ridicule those searching for the truth because I think they're on to something. I agree with them there's more to the world than what we see (Ephesians 6:12), there are sinister forces at work behind the scenes plotting for our downfall (1 Peter 5:8) and there are hidden truths that need to be revealed (Matthew 11:25-27). But I think there's a glaring hole in their theories.

In their search for truth, conspiracy theorists have forgotten that Jesus is Lord. He is the one who is in control of the story of our world and he will bringing it to the ending that he has planned. I realise that this is a statement of faith that not everyone will agree with. But it is a statement that if researched with even half the diligence of the conspiracists, will be be shown to be true. It has stood up to centuries of scrutiny both by the genuine seeker and the sceptic. God has not left breadcrumbs for us to follow but clear historical eye witness accounts of those that seen and heard and touched Jesus (1 John 1:1-4).

Peter one of the men closes to Jesus writes,

"For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honour and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain." (2 Peter 1v16-18)

Of course we weren't there when Peter saw this so how can we know if this is true or not. Peter says we have something even more secure..

"And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in our hearts. Above all you must understand that no prophecy of scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had it's origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1v19-21)

The world is full of unusual happenings, some may well be linked together, some are unexplained at the minute, some may never be explained. But whatever theory we develop to explain life as we see it may we always filter it through the reality that Jesus Christ is Lord. If you don't believe that, follow the evidence, it will take you right to Jesus. The Truth is Out there. Why not grab the Gospel of Luke and start reading it?

 

Jesus speaks to those that feel judged

 The great dream of our time is that we become a more tolerant society, less judgemental and more accepting. The church was identified as a source of intolerance. (there may be some truth in that). It was argued that once the church's influence upon society was weakened, we would all become more accepting and less judgemental. But that has not been the case.

We continue to live in a world where we're told what's acceptable and what's not:

what's acceptable to say, what's acceptable to do and even what's acceptable to think. We are just as likely to be judged by others as ever before. And if we're willing to admit it, we're just as likely to judge others too. All that has changed is the standard by which we are to judge others and who establishes that standard.

I was in a shop a few weeks ago and an unmasked woman hurried past me explaining apologetically, with her hand over her mouth, that she had forgotten her mask and was going to get it. She had taken part in unacceptable behaviour (not wearing a mask in a shop) and was feeling judged because if it. Haven't we all felt judged by others? The way we look, the way we act, the way we speak, the way we dress, the opinions we hold. By these and a long list of other things, we are deemed unacceptable by others. Once we step outside the norms of the group we fall under the group's judgement. We might be snubbed or excluded or ridiculed.

When you feel judged by others, how do you react? Do you hide away from their glare Or do you stiffen your back, stand tall and defy anyone to question you. "Who are you to judge me?"

Jesus inspires a better way to deal with the judgement of others. We see it clearly in the woman who walked into a dinner party uninvited. (Luke 7: 36-50)

As she enters the dinner party, she feels a room full of eyes burning into her. She's being judged. This isn't a new feeling, she's well used to this. She's known around town as having a reputation. She's not spoken about in polite conversation and yet here she is standing behind Jesus, who was reclined at the table. She seems to know him. This is how reputations are damaged.

• How do they know each other?
• Why's she crying?
• Why's she drying his tear soaked feet with her hair?
• Why's she now kissing his feet?
• Doesn't he know the kind of woman she is (39)?
• She must know him well.
• What's she up to, pouring perfume on his feet?

Then the realisation, these aren't tears of sadness these are tears of deep joy. Something has happened to her. Something that no one seems to know about but Jesus. He explains to those judging her. "Her many sins have been forgiven..." (47). Then turning to the woman he says "Your faith has saved you; go in peace" (50)

Jesus doesn't turn a blind eye to her life of sin. He judges rightly by God's standard. But she now knows her debts before God are wiped out because of her faith in Jesus (41-42). She is forgiven and at peace. She seems totally oblivious to what others in that room think of her. Why? Because she knows what Jesus thinks of her. She's not arrogant before others, "Who are you lot to judge me?" but humble before others, "Who am I to be forgiven by Jesus?"

The woman is forgiven and free. What does it matter what others think.

I could be proven wrong but I'm not sure a tolerant society is possible. But won't it be great to be part of a society shaped not by judgement but by forgiveness. To be part of a group of people forgiven and forgiving. If only there existed a society like that. If there was one like that, wouldn't you want to go regularly to bask with others in God's acceptance and be reminded of the wonderful forgiveness that is yours because of Jesus. Wouldn't there be a fragrance of love about that place. Those forgiven much love much.