30 Oct, 2008
Elisabeth Hasselbeck Receiving Death Threats For McCain Support
Having engaged in heated arguments with her "View" co-hosts over the current presidential election between senators Barack Obama and John McCain, it’s no surprise conservative Republican Elisabeth Hasselbeck has received the lion's share of crackpot death threats made to the show.
Known for rocking a self-designed "AmeriMcCain Hero" t-shirt on the popular women's daytime talk-show, Hasselbeck has been outspoken in recent weeks over her support of McCain and his running mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. On Monday, Hasselbeck joined Palin during a rally in Kissimmee Florida to counter recent criticisms of the vice-presidential nomine's $150,000 wardrobe shopping spree.
And while Hasselbeck and her "View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg couldn't disagree more on who the next president should be, according to Goldberg, Hasselbeck is not only providing much-needed counterpoint to the show's ongoing political debates, but is doing so despite receiving the most death threats of anyone on the show.
Death Threats
John 15:18-25
The Hatred of the World
18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’ (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us?
The Jews in Jesus' time on earth were busy hoping for a worldly King, and completely missed Christ as He came in the form of a servant. The pharisees and religious people hated Jesus' message. His idea of love, grace, and forgiveness didn't match with their agenda for law and perfection. As a result, Jesus was hated for His message. He didn't just receive death threats ... He received the ugliest death penalty.
How can we connect God's Story scripture to our lives?
Jesus' words in John 15:18-25 are a little scary, but a great reminder. If we're being persecuted for our Christian faith, we must remember how Jesus Himself was persecuted. When we're hated, we must remember that the world hated Him first. We'll never experience even a fraction of the pain and suffering that Jesus felt as He placed the sins of the entire world on His body.
Since we are Christ's servants, the world will ultimately treat us just like they treated our Master. But Jesus reminds us that there is no excuse for their sin. Has anyone ever mocked you for being a Christian? If so, know that you aren't the first. Christians have been threatened and criticized for centuries - all the way back to Jesus Himself. The book of James provides great encouragement in times like this: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:2-5)
How can we connect today's story, God's Story, and our story to others?
Elisabeth Hasselbeck received death threats for supporting John McCain. Jesus received more than threats. He was sent to death on a cross for supporting the work of His Father. We may experience threats and persecution for following Christ. Jesus gave us clear warning, but the scriptures also provide many promises. We know that trials will ultimately lead to maturity in our abiding relationship with Jesus Christ.
As you encounter friends who don't yet know Jesus, be prepared for some resistance to your message. You may even be hated for your beliefs, but sustaining your relationship with Jesus is more important. Stand firm in your faith. Do not be shaken. Encourage other believers around you today. We know that resistance to Jesus is a reality, but your unwavering commitment to Christ will ultimately be rewarded.
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