JESUS FOR AMERICAN PRESIDENT? HIS GLOBAL TV INTERVIEW [MONDAY MANNA 163]

(Note: you may first want to meet Sam and Roland as they covered President Gary Forest in this dramatic and popular story, with a very unexpected twist: AN AMERICAN PRESIDENT FINALLY FOLLOWS JESUS  [MONDAY MANNA 88] )

“Good evening again, ladies and gentlemen. I’m Senior Anchor Sam Waters along with my colleague Roland Panna here at the Badger News Forum in New York City.

“Welcome to this special Tuesday night edition of ‘Meet The Presidential Candidates.’ Our broadcast here is being picked up globally.

“Tonight is most unusual…most unusual indeed. Historic, I might add. Never before have Roland and I interviewed such a…a…a American Presidential candidate and his VP choice that is as controversial…and as intriguing…as this one. Not even close!

“And the anticipation and excitement is incredible. I can’t remember this much buzz since President Forest revealed that bomb shell announcement four years ago. And our live studio audience is all geared up. I’m certain we’ll have some probing questions tonight for our candidates.”

He then turned to his co-anchor sitting to his right.

“Well, Roland, what do we say about having Jesus Christ and his choice of Vice President, the apostle Paul, on the show?”

Roland was visibly excited to all who saw him, which was uncharacteristic for his serious, cautious demeanor. But…something else was apparent.

He also seemed nervous as he rolled the shaft of his pen back and forth in His right hand, and moved a bit side to side in his seat. He had to forcibly take his eyes off Jesus and Paul sitting at the large desk close by and turn his attention to Sam.

“Fabulous, Sam. Fabulous. What an honor to have the spiritual leader of the most popular religion in the world on our show. And running for President to boot!”

Roland’s answer and his body language indicated his response was quite a bit forced…that is, his words were not as truthful as his thoughts. And even more than a bit nervous and apprehensive of what was about to unfold.

Roland was tall, and had blond hair with grey patches at the temple.  He was very long faced, and spoke both slow and deliberate. He was extremely popular with the conservative right wing of the country, as well as the religious right. He let everyone know he was a follower of Jesus Christ, a Christian.

He stood for and supported traditional Republican values, a dominant military including both wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, lower taxes, and home schooling. He was against government entitlements, homosexual and abortion rights, the liberal media, and universal heath care of any type.

He had voted for President Gary Forest in previous elections. But after his actions four years ago at the very end of his 2^nd term, his name never again passed over Roland’s lips. It was if President Forest has never existed.

The current Democratic administration was anathema to him, and his whole church family was up in arms. Many even considered the current President as the dreaded Anti-Christ.

Roland, his wife of 18 years, June, and their three children, all attended Grace Worship Center, a 12,000 member mega-church in the local suburbs. Roland was an elder there. In addition, he was also a leader in raising financial support for a major Christian organization that promoted the gospel of Jesus worldwide.

Sam, his co-anchor, was the exact opposite of Roland. Sam’s appearance included a round face with dark black hair, short stature, and a quick smile. He was a larger than life character and overtly outspoken, but still winsome.

Roland considered Sam as pagan as they come. Sam absolutely loved messing with him and his Christian views both on and off the air. His faith ran to New Age Hinduism, and he was a big fanatic of Gandhi, the Indian Hindu leader murdered in 1948 and who loved the teachings of Jesus. He especially liked Gandhi’s remark, “I like your Christ. I don’t like your Christians. They’re so unlike your Christ.”

“Well,” Sam began, “ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s show will include both Roland and I asking Jesus Christ and Paul various questions.”

Roland kept rolling his pen nervously between his fingers as he alternately looked between Sam and his guest. Sweat began to develop on his brow.

Sam concluded, “Then we’ll have certain audience members also ask them questions they consider pertinent to this November’s election.”

“There’s one caveat we need to mention before we begin,” Sam wily grinned into the lead TV camera. “Some questions directed at Jesus may be answered by the apostle Paul. That was a condition required by these two gentlemen to appear tonight.”

Roland took a deep, deep breath and silently prayed, ‘Oh God, help us through this without blowing things up. I want the Lord to be glorified.’

At that very instant, he met Jesus Christ’s eyes and Roland could swear he saw a smile and nod of the head from the candidate. Strange, Roland mused, it’s as if He heard my thoughts.[1]

“Welcome, Jesus and Paul, to our show.” They both smiled at Sam, who looked a bit unnerved as he glanced over to Roland.

“Jesus Christ,” Sam asked as he glanced back at his notes, “since You’re officially a citizen of Israel, what gives You the right to consider running for the American Presidency?”

Oh, great, mused Roland, here we have the Son of God, my Lord and Savior, and Sam is asking about citizenship. What a lame question…

Jesus responded, “For my citizenship is in heaven, from which also human beings eagerly wait for a Savior, Myself, the Lord Jesus Christ.”[2]

He continued, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” [3]

Sam shifted uneasily in his seat. His producer off camera spoke through the ear bud, “Move on, Sam. Get going. Let’s get this thing over.”

He took the next question from his notes. He cleared his throat just to make sure…

“Mr. Christ, as You know very well, our national social system that helps people in this economy is in need of more funding. We need to restore our financial system. Many are losing their savings, and their retirement. We’d heard Your ideas are revolutionary. What are your financial solutions for such issues?”

Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfectly mature, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”[4]

Roland was greatly agitated as he blurted out his response, much to Sam’s surprise. “Surely, You mean we don’t have to sell our things to help the poor. My Pastor says Jim Washburn, the great Christian financial advisor, wants believers to store up money to be financially independent like him.”

Jesus never hesitated as He began to speak. “My child, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” [5]

“And, what exactly does that mean?” Roland inquired in a perplexing way.

The apostle Paul, the VP candidate, was the one to answer here. “My friend Roland, our Lord Jesus is making an important point that all government leaders are placed in office by God the Father. I wrote about that fact in the book of Romans, the 13^th chapter. We can trust the Father to run His world.” [6]

Sam then asked Paul in a measured way, “So, then, if this is true, the Christians who are always wanting to take over the government, and force their laws down our throats just need to trust their God, and pray that He does the best thing?”

“Exactly, Sam,” responded Paul, “a wise observation. We who follow Jesus Christ can rest in the assurance that our prayers will influence the Father without any effort at the ballot box. Or any political involvement. We’re free to obey the direct loving commands that help build the kingdom of God.”

“I’ve got to ask You, Jesus,” exclaimed Sam in an astonished voice turning to face to the Lord, “Do You really mean this about selling your stuff to help support the poor? Is this your platform for the election, and what You teach Your churches?”

“Sell your possessions and give to charity,” Jesus proclaimed, “make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” [7]

Sam couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He was a swirl of thoughts and emotions. First, how could Jesus Christ ever think He would be elected with ideas like this. And second, why didn’t conservative Roland, the big time Christian, ever talk about this radical idea about money and the government.

“Your answer is so…so…bizarre, Jesus.”  Sam’s director was yelling in his ear piece to take a commercial break. Not yet, thought Sam, not yet. This is just too intriguing.

Roland piped up now, his voice escalating since his image of God was really threatened. “That ‘sell your possessions idea’ is only for the rich young ruler! That’s what financial guru Jim Washburn says. I’m free in Christ. Free! I’m under grace not the Law. You need to read Galatians. There’s no rules to follow, no do’s and don’ts.”

And Jesus, feeling a love for him,[8]  began a story.

“A certain rich middle class American was successful. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to save my extra money?’

“Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will open up more bank accounts and retirement programs, larger ones, and there I will store all my cash. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”‘

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

“And I say to My true disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.”[9]

Sam was stunned. The studio audience was uncomfortably silent. Sam looked at a downcast Roland who stared at the floor looking very sheepish. His pen had rolled out of his fingers and dropped to the floor. It was the only noise in the studio.

Roland knew the next question was his, and he needed to gather up courage to ask.

“Lord Jesus, America is known worldwide for its strong military and peacekeeping presence with over 700 military bases. How would you protect our shores and continue the war on terror?”

“Truly I say to you, Roland,” Jesus proclaimed, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.”[10]

What? Thought Roland. This is just over the top. My pastor will have a fit with this heresy.

Jesus continued on with another story.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

“If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the homosexuals do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the unbelievers do the same?

“Therefore you are to be perfectly mature, as your heavenly Father is perfectly mature.” [11]

Silence. One couldn’t hear a pin drop, or even a dropped pen. All eyes were on Jesus Christ.

The apostle Paul quickly broke the silence and amplified this story. “Sam and Roland, when the Holy Spirit directed me to write Romans 12, almost all American Christians ignore the last half of the chapter.

“All they want to talk about is not being conformed to the world, not even presenting their bodies as a living sacrifice, but they don’t obey it by living out the end of the chapter. Let me quote it for you.

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”[12]

“Ok folks,” interrupted Roland, “we’ll be right back after this break.”

The TV studio was abuzz with audience conversation over the words of Jesus and Paul. Sam was trying to speak to Roland about his Lord and
Savior here but Roland was clearly angry and downtrodden.

Before you knew it, the live cameras were back on to Sam.

“Welcome back. We’re going to take a couple of audience questions before we run out of time here.”

Sam looked at his notes. “First up, we have Jonathan Best. Jonathan, what is your question for Jesus Christ?”

Jonathan was in the first row when he took the microphone from the attendant. He was tall, thin, and worked as a senior manager for a large national chain. He was in obvious distress over the Presidential interview thus far. He was sweating profusely.

“Lord Jesus, I follow You. I’m a believer. I’m saved. But my gosh, we don’t believe these things You’re talking about here at my church. We have to take back America for God. We need to fight our enemies worldwide and fight the war on terror.

Jonathan was almost pleading. “If we ever really thought this was right and obeyed these teachings, we’d have loads of opposition. My wife and I would lose our jobs. It could be my wife might leave me. My kids would think I’m crazy. I’d be laughed out of the tennis club, not to mention Super Grace Free in Christ Church where we attend.

“How could we carry on?”

Then Jesus said to His disciple here, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

“For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.” [13]

“But…Jesus…Jesus,” stuttered Jonathan, his voice full of irritation, “this is pure legalism, isn’t it? We’re not under the law. We’re under grace.”

Jesus Christ’s response was compassionate, but firm.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; and A MAN’S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.

“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.”[14]

Unbelievable. Just unbelievable, mused Sam in his thoughts. My colleague Roland has been telling me all these years Christians are supposed to take back America. And that he needed to get rich to be financially independent.

And this Jesus of his is turning that all upside down. Amazing. Simply amazing. I think I like this guy Jesus. He’s radical. Nothing like the church people say.

Jesus now stood up in His place, fully using His arms to make His point.

“I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled!
But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!

“Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division; for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three.

“They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” [15]

“Roland! Roland!,” cried the director in his ear piece. “Quick, ask the next question. Now!”

Roland forced his mouth to open. It seemed as though it was filled with wet concrete. His whole world was falling apart. First, the confession of President Gary Forest four years ago. And now this…how could Jesus Christ say these things in opposition to his pastor, his church, his Bible study, and his home group.

“We have Judy Smith with the final question,” whispered Roland as it sounded like he had a frog in his throat.

Judy was short, middle aged, and graying but authoritative. She was a rank pagan but interested in the local issue of immigration. It was a sincere question burning in her heart since she grew up in Arizona, ground zero for the illegal alien question.

“Mr. Christ, how would You handle immigration in America?”

“Cursed is he who distorts the justice due an alien, orphan, and widow. And all the people shall say, ‘Amen,’ Jesus boldly stated.[16]

“Furthermore, assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town, so that they may hear and learn and fear the LORD your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this law.”[17]

Judy’s mouth was visibly open with shock and awe.

“For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly practice justice between a man and his neighbor, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor walk after other gods to your own ruin, then I will let you dwell in this place… [18]

“I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’

“Then I Jesus Christ will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” [19]

“Wow…,” as Judy’s voice trailed off and she sat down, handing the microphone back to the attendant.

Sam pulled himself together for the closing as he felt energized that he was about to witness a concluding statement to end all concluding statements.

“Jesus and Paul,” would you please make your concluding statements. And how do You, Jesus, ever expect to be elected American President with a platform like that?”

“Certainly,” replied Paul standing up at his seat “I’ll go first at my Master’s request.

“Ladies and gentlemen of America, and those watching worldwide, the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Almighty God, wants everyone to know that the gospel of His Kingdom is His eternal purpose. He requires passionate obedience to the death from His followers. That is the only proof of those who claim to love Him. That is His platform.”

As Paul sat down, Jesus once again stood for the last time. He first eyed Roland.

“Roland, My friend.” He waited for a response. It seemed like forever until Roland spoke up.

“Yes?, Roland whispered, his voice quivering.

“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?[20]

There was a audible gasp throughout the studio audience. They were unaware that Jesus reproached His disciples for their unbelief and hardness of heart.[21]

“Do not sin anymore, Roland, so that nothing worse happens to you.”[22]

Then Jesus turned and looked directly into the main TV camera.

“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to My enemies; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.”[23]

“You must count the cost to follow Me. What king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.”[24]

Jesus continued right where he left off.

“So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.”[25]

“Therefore, salt is good; but if even salt has become tasteless, with what will it be seasoned? It is useless either for the soil or for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”[26]

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.  Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’”[27]

“Notice these people did miracles in My name. And what is their fate?”

“And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’ Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.

“And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.

“The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their religious leaders and pastors.[28]

The shocked studio audience filed out in almost complete silence as Sam and Roland signed off.

…Later that night after the interview.

“This late breaking news just in…I’m Senior Anchor Sam Waters along with my colleague Roland Panna here at the Badger News Forum in New York City.

“Jesus Christ of Nazareth, our guest today, was detained for questioning as He left our studio here in New York. He’s being investigated by the Homeland Security Bureau as being subversive to the American dream and way of life as we know it.

“They claim He’s destabilizing the government, the established order, and the status quo. His constant arrogance in proclaiming to be the only way to God upsets the good people, Muslims, Hindus, among other law abiding groups. In addition, He teaches to be loving your enemy, plus selling your material possessions and donating the cash to those people in nations that sponsor terrorism. This is not loving.

“Jesus Christ is a threat to both national and global security, the agency reports. Under questioning, He claims no allegiance to any country, will not vote, and refuses to swear allegiance to any country or flag. Other New World Order government agencies are rushing agents to America to help make a final determination.

“At the present time, the preliminary indication is He and His true followers are a high danger to global peace. More to follow as the news breaks.”

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Please comment on this post right below. Feel free to write and proclaim your leadings in the Spirit in an honorable fashion.

Your friend and brother in fighting the good fight,

Marc

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