The latest estimate of Jersey’s population was released a few days ago—90,800 persons as at year-end 2007. The world Population? Approximately 6,700,000,000 persons. For every one of “us” there are 70,000 of “them”.
Interestingly, the population of affluent Europe and Northern America as a percentage of the whole is about 17.3% - so, on that basis, for every one of “us” in the West there are 6 of “them” elsewhere. And that proportion is expected to change from 1:6 to 1:8 within 40 years.
How many times in history have the affluent been overcome by the oppressed? Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette (of “Let them eat cake” fame) in France in 1789. The Habsburg monarchy in over half of Europe in 1848. Tsar Nicholas II of Russia in 1917. And each of those had like-minded protectors eager to maintain the status quo - similar to Robert Mugabe when he recently visited Rome.
The 2008 global crisis over energy and oil is arising from those who desire our affluence for themselves...... And “they” outnumber “us” - by far.
Something may need to be done......And Jersey’s business and community leaders are wise to this.....
The envious are a serious threat at any time......
The envious in Jerusalem in Jesus’ day (see above) were also the successful, the folk with disproportionate blessings. They were anxious not to lose their status, their “all”, because of Jesus Christ whose followers were becoming so numerous. Those successful community leaders could also never countenance any serious threat to their status and power.
What of Jesus Christ though? Well, one of his earliest statements was, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” He was worried about the unrighteous, the insecure, the folk who had messed up. He wanted to restore them.
The French nobility, the Habsburg family, the Romanov dynasty were initially successful in defending their interests. So were the Jerusalem leaders in AD 33. They disposed of Jesus of Nazareth. (But they fell foul of the Romans in AD 70. Not until 1948 was civic authority, to a degree, in their hands again.)
Those envious of the West are increasing. Those envious of Jersey (in the West as well) are increasing.
Again, what did Jesus Christ do—crushed to death by envy, as Pilate sussed out (see above)? He allowed it to happen, despite his absolute wealth and absolute power, so that he could forgive those who did it to him.
Of all the population in Jerusalem at that time, it was the Roman centurion who stood against him at the stake on which he was immolated who saw the truth. Seeing him breathe his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
No wonder the one who still uses all wealth and power to benefit others has such a loyal following today—especially amongst the 6,699,909,200 who don’t live in Jersey.. |
