Let's Discuss Politics

 

When it comes to what Jesus said about government, the subject was pretty much limited to:

Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.  (Matthew 22:17-22 KJV)

Paul, on the other hand not only knew how to use Caesar’s law:

Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go. (Acts 25:10-12 KJV)

But also admonished Christians to:

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.  (1 Peter 2:13-16 KJV)

Too often in the last few years, people in general (including some who are openly Christians) have forgotten that what we think does come out in our speech and writing (especially on anonymous social media.) If we follow what Paul was inspired to write, this is what we should be thinking, writing, and saying aloud:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

Our Constitution provides for addressing a government that does not listen to its citizens. We forget that our Lord is also involved in our lives and we have a right to address Him before we begin to seek redress from governmental error:

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)

Please note that these verses do not promise immediate correction or change, but it does say every thing. Think for a moment – about what would you NOT go to God in prayer? Does your part fall under Philippians 4:8? Does someone else’s part go against Philippians 4:8?

Go to God in prayer in both instances – if yours, I believe a bit of confession and repentance would be in order. Sure is when it’s me! If it is not your error, but someone else’s, take it to the Lord in prayer – especially if it is out of your hands or has a government official involved. No, I’m certainly not promises an immediate change – except in your own life. That peace of God really does see us through personal trials.

Take a few moments to read 2 Kings chapter 20, with close attention to verse 5 where Isaiah was told:

Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD. (2 Kings 20:5 KJV)

The remainder of the chapter includes how Hezekiah blew that blessing. What is your understanding of “How?”