The radical message..

I often forget what a radical message the gospel of Jesus is and how for some Christianity introduced a dangerous and threatening message which turned culture on its head.

This is still true today. Jesus’ teachings are radical and transformational.

During my recent trip to Japan, I learnt that Christianity was not accepted at all by the ruling Samurai classes at the time. It was prohibited by them for anyone under their rulership to be a Christian as displayed on this notice.

The reason…the gospel message and the bible taught that all men were equal.

This was a radical and unacceptable teaching in a society which had ruling classes and everything was about your status and position.

The ordinary people had no rights. They were not allowed to leave their place of birth or travel anywhere without permission. They had no freedom.

Every detail of the culture of that day was carefully planned to show your position in Society from the style, decoration of a house, the colour and pattern of edging of the matting and the door you could enter through, the room you would be received in and the height of the floor.

A door that anyone could enter to salvation and equality before man and God was not an acceptable message in such times.

It was a dangerous message in the hands of the oppressed to know that they were loved and valued by God, that everyone was equal in His sight and to know true freedom.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The Samurai and their ruling of Japan were eventually overthrown by an Emperor who wanted change.

The bible teaches us that Jesus’ Kingdom is everlasting and will not be overthrown.

“Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.”
‭‭Daniel‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The Kingdoms and rulers of this world come and go but the Word of God endures for ever. It is powerful and brings hope to the hopeless, freedom to the captives and joy to those who receive it in faith.

It is a seed that spreads.

Let us not forget to spread some seeds of hope today and wait expectantly for our harvest.