Monday, March 18, 2013

Looking Forward to March 24, 2013 -- Palm Sunday

The Scripture Readings this week are:
  • Luke 19:28-40
  • Luke 22:47-66; 23:13-24
The Sermon title is Mob Politics 

Early Thoughts: Over and over again we have seen the power of the mob.  Mobs can change the world.  Sometimes for the better.  Sometimes for the worse.

This week we hear about two different mobs.   One on the roadside shouting words of praise.  Another gathering to shout words of scorn and condemnation.

Mobs are interesting things.  In the midst of a mob people will do and say (again for better or worse) things they may not do or say on their own.  A mob can pull us along with it.  A mob can make leaders think something is more supported than it actually is.  A mob can drive events forward.

This week we hear about a mob that gathers to share hope and joy.  They gather to celebrate the coming of one who they believe to be The One.  Why are they there?  Were they just in the right place at the right time or did someone invite them?  How many of them are caught up in the emotion of the event, blinded in the joy of the moment to the realities of the world in which they live?  Can this mob transform the world?

This week we hear of a mob that gathers to deal with a troublemaker,  They gather to witness the arrest and trial and to ensure that the "proper" decision gets made.  Why are they there?  Did they join in of their own accord or were they stirred up by an another?  Were they afraid of this man?  Were they angry with him?  How many of them were just caught up in the emotion around them?  Were they joining in lest they be the next on trial?  Can this mob stop things from changing?

Mobs are interesting things.  Mob politics is a dangerous game to play.  What is the mob story this week?
--Gord

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