"...there were many lepers in Israel
during the time of Elisha the prophet;
yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury.
DC politicians used to speak of certain "third rails" in their political discussion. Anyone who would propose reforming Social Security was touching the third rail and would certainly suffer instant political death. "Don't go there;" they reminded each other, "Don't talk about it; don't even think about it."
Jesus apparently touched a third rail when he recalled the stories of Naaman, Elijah, and the widow of Zarephath. His former friends, neighbors, and family drove him out of town, and wanted to kill him.
There seem to be many third rails in today's social and political discussion, although the controversy is mocked as woke by left and right politicians. It's not hard to antagonize both sides for they mostly agree that "might makes right," and "right makes might;" and that serious questions should be mocked from all sides. Trolls rule the world despite the Lord's announcement of God's kingdom.
However, he "he passed through the midst of them and went away," and demonstrated Who was in charge and who was powerless against Him.
As we go with the Lord to Jerusalem and Calvary, we should let his words speak for us and his confidence assure us. How many times do we read in scripture, "Do not be afraid?" Many people, even among the elect, are deceived; and every Christian should be prepared to be rebuked, challenged, and changed by the Word of God. Ideologues on the left and right sincerely believe they are right, and seem to think their sincere conviction proves it.
Do not go with them! Stand aside, at least. Sincerity is not an argument and is easily faked. Be skeptical of ideologues; of immigration enforcement; assisted suicide; national defense; identity politics; of LGBTQIA+ and so forth. We may have to avoid touching those third rails, but we don't have to drink their Kool-Aid or ride their Hell-bound Train.
