For such a time as this

by Hannah Redekop

The Bible is on TV.  Did you know that?  Of course, as with any interpretation, liberties were taken on this 5-part cinema representation of the Biblical narrative.  Jesus is white.  Again.  But we’ll deal with that later, I’m feeling positive this morning.

Squished between another World War II analysis and the Vikings, an all new episode, The History Channel gives The Bible a prime time slot to showcase towel-clad Romans getting upset with bearded, wavy-haired Jews on a kick for Jesus.

Flipping back from NCAA madness for a spot in the Sweet 16 I missed the ‘triumphal’ entry, aptly timed to coincide with this week being Holy Week and all, but the tail end of Jesus’ parade on a donkey didn’t look too festive.  

Then Jesus entered the temple.  It’s always interesting to see this story played out, particularly among the discourse on non-violence.  He wasn’t too violent in this rendition, carefully overturning tables and calmly stating his beef with moneychangers and merchants inside his house.  

Then things get heated.  The Jews are getting rowdy when the Pharisees question Jesus about whether they should pay taxes.  Normally these stories don’t do much for me.  But this scene got me particularly excited.  My head was suddenly filled with a tune and my feet were itching to make a move: 

You say you want a revolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it’s evolution
Well, you know
We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don’t you know that you can count me out
Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right
all right, all right

You say you got a real solution
Well, you know
We’d all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well, you know
We’re doing what we can
But if you want money
for people with minds that hate
All I can tell is brother you have to wait
Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right
all right, all right 

You say you’ll change the constitution
Well, you know
We all want to change your head
You tell me it’s the institution
Well, you know
You better free your mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao
You ain’t going to make it with anyone anyhow
Don’t you know it’s gonna be all right
all right, all right
all right, all right, all right

Jesus was a revolutionary.  Who would have loved the Beatles I think.  He had important people whispering plans to shut him up, disappear him, kill him.  He was causing a ruckus.  We need more people like him.  I’m being serious.  We need people creating such a disturbance that Harper knows about you.  That Harper is getting nervous about you.  That Harper wants to get rid of you.  It’s no simple task.  But, in the wise words of Mordecai to his cousin Esther, God has placed you here for such a time as this. 

You know, I’ve heard it said that people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.  Maybe I won’t think this way tomorrow or in three months because pessimism has its way in a world of tar sands, “terror”, and drones.  But I’ll try to capitalize on my optimism and change at least one person’s world even a little bit for the better.  Or start a revolution.

Baby steps.