The Leaven of Herod

Mark 8:15

Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”

It seems like in church we talk a lot about the "leaven of the Pharisees," the religious influence that bogs us down with duties and rules and that seperates from the "life" that Jesus has for us. However, Jesus also warns us of the "leaven of Herod," the corupting influence of the political/government system. I even find myself fighting the desire to put all of my hope in a politician. As Christ followers, we must not disengage from the political process, but it is also vital to not let this influence corrupt our true calling as ambassadors for the kingdom of God. I don't think I have it figured out yet, but I don't want to put all my hope in a president to solve the world's problems. I was saddened to see a Christian recently post on another blog that they were voting for Barack Obama because he would help the needy, which she mentioned that the church should do, but thought it was too far off for us to handle. The problem with her statement was that she is actually trusting in one man to solve a great human problem and in a government system. Yes, we need to help the poor, but the government has failed in fighting poverty in our nation and around the world. We're so like Israel that wanted a king to solve all of her struggles. I'm not trying to talk out of both sides of my mouth here, because I do believe that God will appoint men in places of influence to bring change, but we can't put all of our trust in the system of government to bring revolution. So as you look to Jesus, engage in government, vote, run, influence, lobby, petition, pray, pray, pray, but don't become allured by the false promises and false power of the leaven of Herod.