Are we in the square?

“Intelligence community under fire for Egypt surprise” was the headline. "U.S. intelligence agencies are drawing criticism from the Oval Office and Capitol Hill that they failed to warn of revolts in Egypt", is the lead, and the next paragraph quotes President Obama’s observation that he was "disappointed with the intelligence community".

Yet, the article also contains what we’ve all known for years – the Middle East is unstable. There is discontent in many of the countries over the disparity of wealth, rising food prices and many other factors. Actually, I find it odd that anyone would expect a status quo.

The article quotes, “as tensions and protests built in Tunisia, it was fully anticipated that this activity could spread”. It has.

Seeing such a mob reminds me of the crowd that gathered to call for Jesus’ crucifixion. They were in one accord. Unlike the Egyptians of today, crying for the removal of a man from office, the crowd back then responded to Pilates question:

And they cried out again, Crucify him. (Mark 15:13 KJV)

Pilate washed his hands of the problem, knowing Jesus’ innocence. The crowd took responsibility.

Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. (Matthew 27:25 KJV)

Thankfully, that did not happen. Christ knew what had to be done, why it had to be and He forgave them before He died.

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34 KJV)

He forgave them, life went on – but the future changed. Egyptians are gathering to change their future, too. And other countries will be affected. With Christ, all mankind has opportunities. What stand will we take?