Dear Friends, October, 2024

A friend recently reminded me of a Santa Cruz Fellowship reflection we sent out after the 2016 election. I had completely forgotten what I had written. I am re-sending an edited version. “Take what is helpful and leave the rest.”

I want to re-visit arguably the worst election that has taken place in the history of mankind. It happened on an early Friday morning in the courtyard of the Pretorian Guard in Jerusalem. There was a very vocal and agitated electorate gathered before Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea. He brought before the voters two candidates. Barabas, which translates in Hebrew “son of the father” and Jesus of Nazareth, the “Father’s Son”. When given the choice by Pilate between the two, the electorate overwhelmingly chose Barabas a favorite Israeli son and insurrectionist, to be set free. Much to the horror of Jesus’ followers, the Nazarene was elected by the people to die.

So there it is, the only known election in the Bible. So what does this story tell us about the character of God? First, for me it seems that God does not need an election to do His work. If the people choose in agreement with the Kingdom of God than all is good. If the electorate choses poorly than God is in the business of fulfilling His job description as redeemer and buys back that which is lost.

Second, the worst nightmare for the disciples took place from Friday till Sunday morning. During a time of loss, discouragement and lack of hope is when God is able to enter with us and is for us. What appeared as the worst disaster in human history turned into the greatest transforming gift man has ever known. Those of us who follow Jesus celebrate the icon of death and loss, the cross. We have this symbol in our churches, homes and even wear them around our necks. How could we miss the fact that losing is winning and winning is losing? Barabas, who won the election and was set free, disappeared into oblivion.

Where is the application in all this? In other words, what is this reflection calling me to be or to do? I have friends and family who do not see things the way I see them and therefore will be voting differently on November 5th. In 2016 I was completely caught off guard with the election results. I realized that I completely missed the hurt, anger and fear that many whom I know and love are experiencing. I can do a better job of letting go of my own opinions, judgements and speculations and pay more attention to others. I want to be a person of faith who is not afraid, no matter how bad it looks. There is nothing that God cannot take and transform into something beautiful.

Hopefully, Rich