Simon: Correctly Channeled Zealousy

# 310 - Today's Living Word comes from Mr 3:18, “Simon the Cananite;”

Next on the list of appointed disciples is Simon the Cananite. Luke refers to Simon as the zealot. This nickname given to Simon indicates that he had at one time been a member of a political movement called the “zealots.”

The zealots were extreme in their desire to overthrow the Roman rule over the Jews. They left a trail of blood and violence wherever they went, and in the end, they came to nothing.

Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law made reference to them at a council meeting in Acts 5:37, “After him Judas the Galilean (a zealot) rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished and all who followed him were scattered.”

This census, by the way, was the one that caused Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem for the birth of the Messiah.

Isn't it interesting that some revolted at the idea of a census and more taxation, (submission to government authorities) while Mary and Joseph submitted to the authorities. Perhaps Joseph and Mary they knew the truth behind Rom 13:1,2

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.”

In the long run, it's clear which path worked out for the better for Mary and Joseph. And it's clear which path worked out better for Simon the zealot.

No longer taking the law into his own hands, Simon placed himself in the hands of the Savior, and he became an instrument used of God to take the Gospel to the nations.

Sometimes we Christians become overly zealous about our government, forgetting that God is not only in control of the Kingdom of heaven, but also the “kingdoms of earth.” It is a good exercise to read Romans 13:1-7 at times like this and to remember that, “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.(Prov 21:1)

Believe it fellow citizens of heaven and keep the main thing, the main thing.

I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.