God’s Politics

Posted by on May 25, 2008 under Sermons

I cannot recall when so many preachers were involved in a political campaign. This week John McCain rejected the endorsement of two televangelists. A few weeks ago, Barack Obama denounced the words of his former preacher. Let’s not forget that Mike Huckabee, who may still be involved in this race in some way, was a once a preacher in Arkansas. Hilary Clinton hasn’t had any problems with preachers – not yet.

So with all of these others getting involved, I wanted to speak my piece and make my endorsements …

This first thing I would say though, is that if I were to endorse a particular candidate I don’t think it would do much good. You shouldn’t vote my way for that reason alone. Every citizen has to make an informed decision and there’s no point in all of us collectively checking out on our responsibility. I would rather endorse certain principles and let you decide …

As we reflect on what it means to be Christians in America, let’s reflect on God’s Politics. The prime political statement in Scripture is this: God is the Highest Authority. There are many ways that this is expressed. God is sovereign, God rules, God is Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

The word of the Old Testament is clear. Kings, monarchs, nations will come and go, but God’s rule is eternal.

  • Nebuchadnezzar learned this. God humbled the leader of that world super-power (Babylon) and Nebuchadnezzar left a letter to share with anyone what he learned. This letter calls on all authorities to acknowledge God’s superior authority (Daniel 4:34).

The word of the New Testament is clear: Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and raised by God’s power and authority. God has exalted him. He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings (Revelation 19 and Philippians 2).

So I endorse this primary principle: God rules. He is in charge and that does not change regardless of who is in the White House, the Congress or the Supreme Court.

Now accepting this principle we ask, so what should Christians do then if God rules? We ought to pray …

  • The prophet Jeremiah urged the exiles in Babylon to pray for the welfare of their captors. These people were being called upon to pray for a nation that wasn’t their home, a nation that did not share their values. But Jeremiah informs them that God wants them to seek to do good and build up that nation. If God’s people could pray for Babylon, then we can pray for our nation. We must pray for our nation (Jeremiah 29).
  • 2 Chronicles 7:14 – Prayer is a humility that bows to God’s authority.
  • 1 Timothy 2:1-4 – Praying for the leaders of our nation is a work of evangelism.

So I endorse prayer. Let us treat prayer as not only a privilege and responsibility but also as a mission.

If God is the supreme authority then let’s remember what issues matter to our Lord. What does the Lord require of us?

  • Micah 6:8 – What does the Lord require of you? His agenda is clear — to do justice love kindness and walk humbly with God.
  • Matthew 23:23 – There are weightier matters such as justice, mercy, and faith
  • Acts 24:25 – Paul preaches to a politician of his time about justice, self-control, and the coming judgment

We can practice justice, mercy, kindness, and humility regardless of what party is in the majority. These virtues should be non-partisan. They ought to be basic.

My son was given an assignment to describe what he would do if he was president. He said …

I would give the people in storms good homes. Also I would raise money to save the poor. Give the U.S. Military a monthly break. Fill bills that needed to be filled. And I would have a speech that all drugs are illegal. Then I would have a party about my new rule.

All I can say to that is “I’m his father and I approve this message.”

Maybe we complicate politics too much. Maybe we should pay attention to the politics of a 9-year-old. Maybe we should see that Scripture’s politics and God’s politics really aren’t that different from such simple politics. Maybe it would clarify things for us and we wouldn’t be so anxious. Instead we would focus on doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. Those are God’s Politics and I endorse them.

We don’t have to have a certain party in power or a certain person in the presidency to follow those politics. Maybe some of us need to run for office, but whether we hold office or not we know who the supreme political power truly is and we can be a part of his party.

I offer this endorsement as an encouragement from God’s Word. I endorse doing what God requires. No matter who wins the various offices up for election, let us endorse the following …
– God rules above all
– We need to pray
– Let’s do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.