Pimp My Religious Leader

I was watching a little bit of the pope's visit to the United States and I just couldn't help thinking what a contradiction all the pomp is to the Son of God who was born in a stable, lived in poverty, had no where to rest his head (Luke 9:58), washed the dirty stinking feet of His own disciples in order to give them an example of how to be leaders, rode into town on a donkey and died a wretchedly miserable death for His people.

How different from the Son of Man who wore the crown of thorns.

What a stunning contrast to the apostle Paul who could write the following words:

"...For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake...Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day...." (1 Cor. 4:9-13)



What a contrast to the Apostle who was imprisoned repeatedly, beaten times without number with rods, lashes and stones. Often hungry and thirsty, cold and exposed (2 Cor. 11:21-30) and would only boast in his weakness (2 Cor. 11:30).

And what a difference in leadership from the humble servant hood called for from the mouth of our Lord.

"...And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve." (Luke 22:24-26)

Is it any wonder that many of our spiritual forefathers saw the office of Pope as the Anti-Christ?