Choosing Between Two Messiahs: Insights on Spiritual Leadership and Redemption from Revelation (04/20/'24) -Viewpoint

Choosing Between Two Messiahs: Insights on Spiritual Leadership and Redemption from Revelation To live like a man who is already dead in Christ is to live fearlessly, unencumbered by the anxieties and threats of this world, as noted in Revelation 3:5. This passage encourages believers to embrace a spiritual death in Christ, which liberates them from earthly fears. It echoes the message to the early churches: those who heed the Holy Spirit's counsel and overcome worldly trials will not be harmed by the 'second death,' a concept discussed in Revelation 2:11, underscoring eternal security for the faithful. This idea is reiterated across various scriptures, encouraging attentive and discerning hearing in spiritual matters, as seen in Mark 4:9, Matthew 11:15, 13:9, Luke 8:8, and Revelation 2:7,17 among others. The narrative of Jesus versus Barabbas presents a profound choice that still resonates today. Barabbas, described as a robber and a leader in an uprising, according to John 18:40 and Mark 15:7, also faced accusations of murder (Luke 23:19, 25). Matthew portrays him as a 'notorious prisoner,' suggesting his significant role as a resistance leader, possibly viewed by some as a messianic figure. The decision between Jesus and Barabbas symbolizes a deeper spiritual choice: between two contrasting messianic visions. This juxtaposition invites reflection on the nature of leadership and redemption that Jesus represented versus the revolutionary path that Barabbas embodied. The question of whether Jesus would be chosen over Barabbas today challenges us to consider which type of 'messiah'—spiritual or political—we seek in our own lives. Pastor Steven G. Lee (April 20, 2024)