Reformation

It is Reformation weekend.

"the laborer deserves his/her wages."  Luke 10:7

The reformation of the 16th Century was sparked by the unrest created when the peasants (working poor) realized the disparity in the Church and Holy Roman Empire (church and state ruling class) between those who were royalty and had the wealth (cardinals, bishops and popes mirrored that social economic class within the church) and the poor.  It set off a chain of events that sparked spiritual, social, economic and political revolution.

The French Revolution was a violent rebellion by those who had little or nothing against those who had everything, while those who had nothing starved to death.

The American Revolution was an expression of the frustration over tyranny, both political and economic by ordinary citizens who worked hard and wanted government to represent them and not just tax them... (while our modern "tea party" group represents the interest of those who want representation WITHOUT being taxed... and have been used to that for decades...)

"O the times, they are a changin'"
"O, change gonna come"

The occupy movement is an early sign that what has gone around has come around again.

CEO's make 300x what average workers in corporations make, pay less taxes and lay people off to make more profit for themselves and wealthy stockholders.

Over the past 30 years, the wealthiest 1% of our population has increased their wealth by almost 4x..., while middle class folks' wealth has diminished and the poor have not been raised above being "the poor".  That wealthiest 1% is the only group represented by our government, and they pay very little taxes compared to the rest of the nation because they are...

It is time.  "Occupy" is starting to open the eyes of some.  Our President's attempts to make laws to tax the wealthy and put the poor and middle class back to work have been thwarted by the wealthy and those who represent them in government (mostly Republicans)... they would rather see people remain unemployed so they can blame the President at election time, than do what is right and get people back to work and help the most vulnerable.  It is acceptable in their value system to continue hurting "the least" in order to get more power, prestige and wealth in the nation.

That is not acceptable to Jesus.
THIS is not acceptable to Jesus.
Read the Gospels... the Kingdom of God does not value the poor being exploited, beaten down and destroyed.  Jesus does not value ignoring the poor, blaming the poor, treating the stranger in the land shamefully and playing political games to stay in power and with wealth.

It is time for REFORMATION... maybe to stave off REVOLUTION... I pray that despite local, state and federal government attempts to quell the legal and non-violent protests, others will join in and do what must be done... SPEAK OUT... WRITE... DEMONSTRATE... VOTE for those who will most embody Kingdom values according to JESUS, not according to the right wing...

Read His words.  Learn from His teachings.  Act in Agape Love for "the least".

Pastor Jamie