The Ides of March and a Counterfeit Trinity

Shakespeare's Julius Caesar shows us the doom that came on Caesar for over-reaching for power.  But the stronger message is the doom that comes on those who stab him ("Et tu, Brute?") out of envy, who take justice in their own hands.

I like to watch the Marlon Brando version around the Ides of March every year.  It is a prophetic warning to everyone to curb the ambition, envy, and vengeance within, lest chaos and carnage follow.

A week or so ago I read a Tabletalk article about John 17, where Jesus speaks of being sent by the Father and sending the Spirit.  Since I had Julius Caesar on the brain already, I connected it to a scene in the play.  Tell me if I'm on to something...

The Triumvirate that replaced Caesar after his death are deciding who to execute.  Marc Antony sends the old general to deliver the order.  Once he leaves, he tells Octavius they should cut the old general out of power.  He's just a messenger, willing to be sent by others.  Not fit for great leadership!

Shakespeare may be purposefully (or accidentally hitting upon) a huge theological truth and an application of practical humility.

The triumvirate is a counterfeit, anti-Trinity.

The Three are willing to send without despising the sent.  To be sent without resenting the sender.  The triumvirate cannot send without lording it over the sent.  

The Trinity remains an abundant fountain of love and respect for One Another, throughout their sending work to save us.  The triumvirate, founded on grasping for power, can only descend to destruction, through the intrusion of jealousy and self-seeking, as they give orders to kill their enemies.

Beware the Ides of March, the foul winds that blow through your heart.  Self-promotion.  Vaunting ambition.  Despising others.  Putting them down.

Do you resent it when your:

• mom sends you to take out the trash?
• wife sends you to the store?
• boss gives you a task you don't like?
• church member's distress calls for your help?
• neighbor borrows something and keeps it a while?

Look to the Trinity for a better way to love God and neighbor.  

Willing humility.  Eager service for others.  These things DEFINE great leadership.