Jesus and Politics!

In the heat of the moment it is hard to think clearly. Therefore I am writing this post on politics and religion now. Some think politics and religion don't mix. I am not writing this to inflame but to encourage us all to put our focus first and foremost where it should be: On Jesus Christ.

First of all, I believe we should let our Christianity influence our voting. As believers we should pray about each election and cast our votes accordingly. We are also called to pray for our leaders and those in authority over us. 2 Tim. 2:1-2 says, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Verses 3 and 4 says why: "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

Instead of constantly criticizing whatever party is in power we should first pray for them! Yes we can speak out against injustice and evil practices. We should stand up for those less fortunate. However, in that, we should model Christ. Would Jesus speak in anger or love? Would He send emails proclaiming certain leaders evil and stand with picket signs and protesters in front of buildings? Would He argue over birth certificates and which countries are being invaded and why?

I believe He would quietly and effectively get to the heart of the matter. Through direct questions Jesus always spoke directly to the heart. He spoke to the need, the thirst.

Jesus was not a politician. He had ample opportunity in Israel to speak against and for political systems when He was on the earth. Instead He went about His Father's business.

I have no problem with Christians participating in the political forum or running for office. However there will be no perfect system on this earth. History is littered with "Christian" governments. It was these very governments which brought us the Crusades, the Inquisitions, etc.

You cannot legislate morality. If you could than the 10 commandments would have been enough! Instead the 10 commandments showed us our need for a Saviour. Everyone in government can become a Christian but unless the people seek God for themselves you will still have sin running rampant across the nation. As a matter of fact you may have it running rampant in the "Christian" government as well.

2 Chronicles 7:14 is often quoted in re. to Christians in politics. Reading this Scripture in context, though, I find that God spoke to Solomon and the people during the temple dedication and said if His people humbled themselves He would heal their land. This was a specific promise to Israel. It was not a promise that if we elect Christian politicians than all would be right in the world. You can say it typifies God's character and you would be right. To say anything else though is a gross misuse of Scriptures.

If we would put as much energy into cementing our own relationship with God and sharing His truth of salvation with others as we did in attacking and promoting political parties THEN we could truly make a difference.

Matthew 6:33 says to seek first God's Kingdom and His righteousness.

Run the race. Work out your salvation daily. Focus on Him and His truth!

Revival

I came from a neck of the woods where some of the churches had an annual Revival. They would let you know about it in advance and then promote the heck out of these one week events. It seems the revivals always went one week.

I remember one friend used to tell me I had to come before Saturday because that was when the revival would end. Sure enough it would end on a Saturday and start right up at another church the very next day. When I was a new believer I could never figure out how the churches knew when the Holy Spirit would show up and for how long He would hang around. Later, I realized these were basically pumped up evangelism services. Church on steroids! Now don't get me wrong. I know God still uses these types of events. People are drawn to Him and many, many give their lives to the Lord. I praise God for that. I just think we should call it what it is....Evangelism.

In the Bible, I am caught by the story of Hezekiah. Hezekiah was a man who tried to follow God. I like the way he is described in 2 Chronicles 31:21 "Hezekiah incorporated Moses' Teachings and commands into worship and dedicated his life to serving God. Whatever he did for the worship in God's temple, he did wholeheartedly, and he succeeded." Hezekiah dedicated himself to serving God, wholeheartedly! When you give yourself wholeheartedly to something, you are giving without reservation, 100%!

Among the acts we see in the life of Hezekiah are: personal repentance, a calling the nation to repentance, tearing down idols, digging into the Word, etc. In a word....REVIVAL! That's what I want in my life. I want a revival...a true, honest to goodness revival. I don't want a cheap, imitation religious experience, I want more of the Father in my life. I want to give myself unreservedly to the Father. To give myself completely to His will. I know it will be hard. It will mean He starts with me. It'll mean I have to be prepared for Him to clean out the junk in my life....a painful and never easy process, yet one filled with a lifetime of benefits.

Revival is not for the world....though it does change the world as a result. No, revival is for the church. The church today needs a revival. It's time to get down and dirty. I believe only when we, His church, humble ourselves before Him, seek His face without reserve, allow Him to speak correction where needed-- only then will we see Revival! It means we need to lay down our rights, our selfishness, our desires; and like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, surrender into the Father's Hands! When we invite the Holy Spirit by making room for Him in our lives this way, we can count on Him being there day after day, and He won't pick up camp to go elsewhere, for the Bible promises "Therefore submit to God. Resist the Devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." James 4:7