Intrusion and Invitation

Political systems, middle managers, and supernatural beings operate either by intrusion or invitation. Intrusion is fear-based; lies and coercion are its hallmarks. Fascism, for example, seeks to control and regulate every facet of life, with death being the reward for dissent. This type of political system (or management strategy) always fails; the question is how much damage will it do while extant? The answer can astonish. The Nazi Third Reich lasted only twelve years, but sixty million or more died because of it.

Invitation is rooted in love and teneted in truth, allowing freedom. A constitutional republic (what America once was) seeks life, liberty and happiness for its people; it is governed by just laws which protect its citizens’ freedoms. Since free will is allowed, there is room for discussion and dissent.

Intrusion and invitation also exist in the realm of the supernatural. Demonic possession and diabolical oppression are real. The Prince of Lies and his minions seek to take possession, to overthrow; they may do it seductively or cunningly, but they do not ask permission.

On the other hand, the Lord invites us to a feast: "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

"Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." ~Isaiah 55:1-2

There is death and there is life, separate paths. These are my thoughts on the first Sunday in Lent, the forty days preceding Easter, corresponding to the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and tempted of the Devil.