{"id":2962,"date":"2024-03-23T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-23T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nancylucenay.com\/staging\/8869\/?p=2962"},"modified":"2025-07-14T17:45:15","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T21:45:15","slug":"when-god-doesnt-meet-our-expectations-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nancylucenay.com\/staging\/8869\/when-god-doesnt-meet-our-expectations-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"When God Doesn’t Meet Our Expectations (Part 2)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"crowd<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How should we respond when God doesn\u2019t meet our expectations? In Part 1<\/a>, I described the disappointment other believers and I felt when our church\u2019s brokenness increased despite our prayers and peacemaking efforts. Like the first-century Jews who yelled, \u201cHosanna\u201d (save now, John 12:12-13<\/a>) as Jesus rode by, we yearned for God to intervene and solve our problems. Yet, Jesus\u2019 definition of salvation differed from his fellow citizens\u2019\u2026 and ours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus\u2019 triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (John 12:12-19) wasn\u2019t the only one during the Passover season. Another entry offered a competing vision and strategy for victory. Imagine joining the festival crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rome\u2019s Response to the Passover<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Roman governor Pilate makes an annual trip from Caesarea to Jerusalem during the Passover season to keep the peace and conduct trials.[1]<\/sup><\/a> His entry utilizes an awe-inspiring procession to highlight Rome\u2019s power and glory and discourage any thoughts you might have of rebellion or liberation. Around one thousand soldiers and many administrative officials will probably accompany the governor.[2]<\/sup><\/a> All intended to impress and intimidate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sadducees, Pharisees, and ordinary folks will line the parade route, each eager to enhance their standing in the governor\u2019s eyes. Rome, after all, oversees the Temple\u2019s affairs, appointing the chief priest from among the Sadducees and granting the Pharisees limited administrative power. You, too, might gain a financial and judicial advantage by honoring Pilate. Yes, those beholden to Rome do what\u2019s right in their own eyes, like the Israelites in the time of the judges. They fashion a faith that allows them to maintain their positions and power while still claiming to be faithful to God. But if you want to stay on Rome\u2019s good side, you must support her officials, even if it means compromising your beliefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider Your Options<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"2<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Two entries, two processions, and two kingdoms. Both crowds expected benefits from their participation and hoped God would meet their expectations. Pilate\u2019s gathering hoped for fiscal and political gain. Those following Jesus dreamed of military dominance and deliverance. The leaders, as well as the spectators, differed. Pilate came to maintain law and order, while Jesus came to fulfill the law and overturn the current order. Pilate\u2019s kingdom depended on the weapons of the world\u2014domination, manipulation, and coercion. Jesus\u2019 kingdom relied on self-sacrifice, service, and submission to his Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What about us? We must decide which parade to attend and which leader to support. Will you attempt to straddle the fence by attending both? Reality demands we choose. We cannot follow both Jesus and Pilate. Will you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n