Throughout my studies of the New Testament I have been consistently struck by the thought that this simple phrase, "Jesus is Lord!", was meant to be a radical political statement in the original context in which it was written. When the readers of Paul's epistles began to speak out these words, "Jesus is Lord!", they were specifically declaring that Caeser is not Lord. The Lord is the ruler, and the early Christians knew that their very lives were at stake when they declared the ruler's of this world illegitimate and "less than". Their bravery and boldness has been forefront in my mind this past political season.
You may remember that this past year was one where Americans were wrapped up in various political discussions. Here in Russia too this past year was full of political ads and slogans advertising all the various parties who want a stake in the Russian parliament. For many here in Russia this past year was a reminder that the system continues to be ruled by one party and one leader even after 16 years or more. In America, the election cycle was a stark reminder that politics is inherently dirty and can often bring out the worst in all of us.
All of us intersect with the policies of the governing institutions that surround us on an almost daily basis. There is no avoiding "politics" per se. However, most of us feel disappointed by what we see on the TV screens. I am writing this blog post specifically because I know how important government policies are for the way that churches are structured and governed and for the way in which our churches will reach out to the poor.
Having lived overseas and having experienced different cultures and different understandings of political life, I feel like I have learned quite a bit in terms of the way that a believer should feel and act when observing political realities. Here is what I have to say: Christian, you should be disappointed! We as believers in Christ should always understand that no human institution and no human ruler will ever be our Savior. Even, if you feel proud of a particular nation-state and it's traditions, please remember that empires and governments will come and go. In the end, only Christ will stand. If you feel convinced that your reading of scripture demands that your opinions lean left or lean right on some kind of political spectrum, then please remember that no one will ever fulfill your perfect vision of a governing body. The policies that humans dream up are always enacted by human systems and will therefore always be full of human sinfullness.
We will mess things up! But realizing this should not paralyze us, but rather, inspire us to action. Love your neighbor as yourself. Bless the poor. Serve the undeserving. Feed and house the refugee. Serve selflessly and cry out on behalf of truth. Jesus Christ is calling us to do these things. Perhaps your conscience allows you to vote or even advocate for some kind of political party. Please do these things cautiously and please remember our place in the church as prophets.
When you engage in political discussion and political thought, please remember that, by definition, the fight for political power and access is a fight for fame, fortune and control. Remember that the governing institutions of this world are directly tied in to the making of weapons. Remember that we should yearn for the day when these swords would become ploughshares.
I too have engaged in some political thinking over the last couple of years and I keep coming to the conclusion that Jesus is calling us to a radical third way. Too often we get caught up in the "for and against" arguments concerning some policy or candidate, when there is often a more extreme option for those follow Christ. I heard the speaker Shane Claiborne describe this process once when he saw that bombs were going to fall near and in Baghdad back in 2004. Many were engaged in the for and against arguments at the time, but few did what Shane felt led to do: fly to Baghdad and pray with the city's believers in the middle of the bombing campaign.
Pray that the governmental policies that surround the orphan crisis around the world would change in favor of family preservation and clean forms of adoption. Let us pray that God would lead and guide the leaders who rise up to rule over the institutions that shape and form our lives. Let us cry out prophetically for all of the leaders of this world to disarm and reallocate resources towards blessing others rather than preserving the violent status quo. Let us learn and grow. Let us seek out Godly civility and forgiveness.
Come Lord Jesus! May your kingdom come and your will be done!
(Some of my political thinking has been shaped by the following sermons. Let me know if you like these or if you have others that help you think through these issues! No Enemy, One President, One Hope, One Weapon)
You may remember that this past year was one where Americans were wrapped up in various political discussions. Here in Russia too this past year was full of political ads and slogans advertising all the various parties who want a stake in the Russian parliament. For many here in Russia this past year was a reminder that the system continues to be ruled by one party and one leader even after 16 years or more. In America, the election cycle was a stark reminder that politics is inherently dirty and can often bring out the worst in all of us.
All of us intersect with the policies of the governing institutions that surround us on an almost daily basis. There is no avoiding "politics" per se. However, most of us feel disappointed by what we see on the TV screens. I am writing this blog post specifically because I know how important government policies are for the way that churches are structured and governed and for the way in which our churches will reach out to the poor.
Having lived overseas and having experienced different cultures and different understandings of political life, I feel like I have learned quite a bit in terms of the way that a believer should feel and act when observing political realities. Here is what I have to say: Christian, you should be disappointed! We as believers in Christ should always understand that no human institution and no human ruler will ever be our Savior. Even, if you feel proud of a particular nation-state and it's traditions, please remember that empires and governments will come and go. In the end, only Christ will stand. If you feel convinced that your reading of scripture demands that your opinions lean left or lean right on some kind of political spectrum, then please remember that no one will ever fulfill your perfect vision of a governing body. The policies that humans dream up are always enacted by human systems and will therefore always be full of human sinfullness.
We will mess things up! But realizing this should not paralyze us, but rather, inspire us to action. Love your neighbor as yourself. Bless the poor. Serve the undeserving. Feed and house the refugee. Serve selflessly and cry out on behalf of truth. Jesus Christ is calling us to do these things. Perhaps your conscience allows you to vote or even advocate for some kind of political party. Please do these things cautiously and please remember our place in the church as prophets.
When you engage in political discussion and political thought, please remember that, by definition, the fight for political power and access is a fight for fame, fortune and control. Remember that the governing institutions of this world are directly tied in to the making of weapons. Remember that we should yearn for the day when these swords would become ploughshares.
I too have engaged in some political thinking over the last couple of years and I keep coming to the conclusion that Jesus is calling us to a radical third way. Too often we get caught up in the "for and against" arguments concerning some policy or candidate, when there is often a more extreme option for those follow Christ. I heard the speaker Shane Claiborne describe this process once when he saw that bombs were going to fall near and in Baghdad back in 2004. Many were engaged in the for and against arguments at the time, but few did what Shane felt led to do: fly to Baghdad and pray with the city's believers in the middle of the bombing campaign.
Pray that the governmental policies that surround the orphan crisis around the world would change in favor of family preservation and clean forms of adoption. Let us pray that God would lead and guide the leaders who rise up to rule over the institutions that shape and form our lives. Let us cry out prophetically for all of the leaders of this world to disarm and reallocate resources towards blessing others rather than preserving the violent status quo. Let us learn and grow. Let us seek out Godly civility and forgiveness.
Come Lord Jesus! May your kingdom come and your will be done!
(Some of my political thinking has been shaped by the following sermons. Let me know if you like these or if you have others that help you think through these issues! No Enemy, One President, One Hope, One Weapon)
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1 comment:
Powerfully written Gandy. Shane Claiborne's response challenges me!
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