An Unholy Alliance

After his seventh consecutive victory in the Tour de France in 2005 Lance Armstrong retired. Johann Bruyneel, arguably the greatest race director in Tour history had to find another way to win. He spotted a strong young cyclist who was the perfect candidate and in 2007 Alberto Contador won the Tour for the first time under Bruyneel's direction. However, in 2009 when Lance Armstrong decided to return to racing, Bruyneel found himself in an uncomfortable position. Because of his strong loyalty he could not say no to Armstrong but Bruyneel was still obligated to Contador. Team Astana went into the Tour that year with two past winners riding for the same team. Obviously both could not win. It was in every way an awkward (if not "unholy") alliance.

I found myself in a similarly strange situation on Saturday night. Concordia Lutheran Church was hosting its first "Drive Thru Passion", dramatically portraying the ministry, suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of scenes involving many disciples, a lot of male actors were required, and even though I haven't acted since high school, I volunteered to play a Roman soldier escorting Jesus' along the Via Dolorosa to his crucifixion. At the time I signed up, I really didn't consider what this would be like. It turned out to be a very emotionally difficult situation.

For two hours I found myself shouting commands, taunts and jeers at the actor portraying Jesus. With the whip in my hand I repeatedly struck the cross with lashes (so as not to injure the actor himself). In a way, the scene became all too real. The actor's bare feet and legs were gouged by the gravel on the path. His shoulder was bruised by the heavy cross. And my taunts and lashes only added to his discomfort (as he told me during a break). I found my stomach in knots and my heart heavy as I acted out this evil toward our Savior. I felt a twinge of guilt as car after car drove by and people looked at the scene, observing my mistreatment of our Lord. I woke up the next morning with a sore neck and shoulder from repeatedly lashing the cross. I was glad. The pain was a reminder of what an awful thing it would be to turn against our Lord Jesus Christ, even though it was only the result of an acting assignment.

In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul warns: "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" In a sense my portrayal of that Roman soldier gave me a glimpse of what it feels like to be unequally yoked with darkness. It's very uncomfortable for anyone who truly loves the Lord. And yet, in this wicked world there are far too many ways and opportunities for us to get tangled up with unrighteousness. It's far too easy to find ourselves partnering with Satan.

When you find yourself in a situation that makes you uncomfortable because you sense that it involves compromise with evil, make sure to stop and consider carefully what you are doing. Your sense of unease may be a blessed reminder that this is not a partnership you should be involved in. If thoughtful reflection, prayer and meditation on God's Word confirms your suspicions, then get out. As Paul says in verses 17-18: "Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” Let's partner only with our living God. We will find blessing in seeking his glory.