Yes, I know they are fictional characters but I thought if I used an example like Jesus of Nazareth that the fundy Christians on this board would get bent all out of shape.
He's the best example, though - unjustly accused, political charges, kangaroo court, publicly humiliated.
Yes, I know that Jesus was sinless.
Yes, I also know that Tom DeLay is a sinner like all of us.
Yes, I know that some of you might think that the comparison is blasphemy or the like: but I don't care what you think because Jesus said that if we were truly followers of His we would be persecuted.
Yes, I know that the events surrounding his situation were not "ministry related". Yes, I also know that Tom DeLay is not up against the death penalty like the Lord was. It's just an example.
So here's my point - that often times we as humans can't see past the current bad situation, avoiding pain and suffering at all costs. What we cannot see is how God can use suffering to make us more like Jesus. 2 Cor. 4.17, Romans 8.28.
It's not what any prosecutor, judge, political party/news media thinks of Tom DeLay that is important, it's God.
Another example would be Job - he did nothing to deserve his misfortunes but God used his situation (and subsequent redemption) to present a message that God is in control of everything even if it doesn't seem that way.
A true waste is when we enter trials and tribulations and we don't learn from them. The mature Christian can learn from his/her situations to become a better follower of Jesus, more closely imitating His life.
How's that?
I think that was well said.
Well.. frankly.. the progression from fictional characters who "become stronger" by dying as in the case of Obi Wan. To likening Tom Delay to Jesus "becoming stronger" by being crucified. Doesn't inspire much hope about Mr. Delay's situation or the nature of benefit he might gain from this experience.
However, despite the examples, it may very well be a correct point that you are making. I think the best example thus far, at least until just this last few weeks, has been George Bush. George is relentlessly smeared by enemies and sometimes it takes months, sometimes years, but eventually the truth crawls out and George is vindicated.
It takes faith, something the enemies of Delay and GWB and folks who are under attack every day with lies and unfair charges. Bill Bennett, attacked by folks claiming he said something completely backwards of what he actually said. It takes time for the truth to make it into the clear. And it takes folks who insist both on finding and exposing the truth, but also calling the liars out and holding them accountable for their misdeeds.
This has been too often the issue, that the big lie has no consequences because they cry, lets "move on" that battle was yesterday. Its time for Justice.. justice is what we are starting to crave, and justice is accountability for lies and crimes. Its time to stop "moving on."