Did you know that two of Jesus’s disciples had opposing ideologies? Matthew was a tax collector (pro-Roman). Simon (Peter) was a Zealot (anti-Roman). They differed in policy (the what) but found common ground in the ways of Jesus.

So what are those ways? 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:3-10   

And a sampling from Psalm 146:7-10.

“He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free. The Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and widow.”

Jesus said stuff like that over and over. And eventually, both Matthew and Simon got it. The authors of the book I’m reading, The After Party, call this the Big Shift. Matthew and Simon found alignment.

You know, if things go against the oppressed etc., there will be resistance. God upholds these causes. Will a big shift happen in our country? I don’t know, but I love that God is always beckoning us to go higher.