During a recent presidential election year in my country, I found myself disappointed by the behavior of some of our Christian leaders. They told us to put our hope in Jesus, but their words and actions indicated they were putting their hope in “Caesar”—in political power.
Perhaps I’m wrong. I’m reminded of author Greg Boyle’s insight that Jesus offended nearly everyone in His day. He would’ve likely offended both sides of my country’s current political divide. Indeed, I might be disappointed or angry about the behavior of some leaders’ words and actions, but I shouldn’t assume that Jesus thinks the same as I do about all political matters.
When Pilate was cross-examining Jesus at his headquarters, he asked: “Are you the king of the Jews?” (John 18:33). After some back and forth, Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
No matter our political stance, we have to be careful not to put too much hope in any one political candidate or party to restore our nation or community. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that we “are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”
Politicians can do a great deal of good for people. They can also do great harm. No politician, however, can change a human heart or completely restore corrupt systems. Jesus alone has authority over everything in heaven and on earth, and so we must ultimately hope and trust in Him (Acts 4:12; Colossians 1:15-20).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Psalm 103:1-22
More:
Read Matthew 17:24-27 and consider our responsibility to governmental leaders and our ultimate commitment to Christ.
Next:
Why is it sometimes difficult to vote for leaders? How can we honor God with the way we discuss political issues and the way we vote for candidates?
Gary Shultz on May 16, 2017 at 4:04 am
Hi Marlena: I do agree with you that we should not put our hope in leaders or the government to restore our nations. God must be the foremost authority in life, and in a nation, if it should seek the harmony we all wish we could have. Leaders have a great influence in a nation and their example will be an example to the people of their country. They can bring hope to a nation; however, their base of operation must be on godly principles. Greed, tyranny, shifting moral standards, cruel, and subversive ways soon plunge a nation into darkness. I also think you are right that the soul needs a change, with people who honor godly ways, they become a light to a sinking society. God holds the lamp of hope for a nation, and all peoples of each country would do well to follow a heavenly call, to themselves, their families, communities and countries. I think we do honorably to show people that leadership starts with God not human leaders. Thanks Marlena.
sandy229 on May 16, 2017 at 12:05 pm
I completely agree with you Gary, thanks for your input!
Shalom
hsnpoor on May 16, 2017 at 7:18 pm
I don’t mean to be a voice of gloom and doom, but I think the USA political system and those who hold leadership positions in same are so plunged in darkness, confusion and turmoil that I can’t even imagine a redemptive hope or envision what it would look like. The light began to flicker with the Kennedy assassination and was blown out for good with Watergate. There hasn’t, IMO, been a single glimmer of hope since then. The advent of political-correctness has simply served to make matters worse, not better for our nation or it’s people. I could be way off base, but I’ve always understood that the function of government was to protect nations from their enemies and our churches receive a tax-exempt status because their function is to minister to social inadequacies and injustices in our nation. But, over the last 40-years, our government seems to have become more immersed in social-engineering and our churches have become insulated and ineffective in the communities where they’ve been set to make a difference; both of which are to the nations detriment. Neither the church or the state is effective because neither is doing the job they are called to do and our nation is steadily spiraling downwards. Gary, we can know and show people that leadership starts with God and not human leaders all day long, but we can’t make them believe it if they are intent on denying that there is a God and if there is, they can find Him in their bathroom mirror. In the final analysis, my prayer is “Come, Jesus, PLEASE”, as I throw out as many life rings as I can until then.
don777 on May 16, 2017 at 6:32 am
How can a person who say they love God stand for a party that believes in killing babies, We can call all different names but when it comes down to it that is what it is (killing babies)
Our actions speak louder than words. +>i
don777 on May 16, 2017 at 6:38 am
for all that falling into this sin as any sin God has grace & mercy, forgiveness for all those who ask. What an awesome God we have thank you Jesus!
sandy229 on May 16, 2017 at 12:06 pm
That’s what it is, killing babies, there is no other way to put it.
hsnpoor on May 16, 2017 at 7:32 pm
I don’t think it’s an issue of a political party, but rather the depraved mind and heart of individuals who don’t know and don’t care to know God, which is so much bigger and more impactful than a political system. It’s not a political system that is the problem; it’s the people both in and out of the system that cause this scandal to proliferate. What we need to do is stop being surprised, scandalized and overly sensitive when heathens act like heathens. Once we get over ourselves, then maybe we can become effective in having meaningful conversations that really address this issue with those in our orbit who are so inclined to engage in conversation. However, in all honesty, it is beyond difficult to put a dent in the hearts and minds of those who are bent in that direction when the whole world is giving them another message they would rather heed. Prayer is what is needed and my prayer is “Come, Jesus, PLEASE!!”
i trust jesus on May 16, 2017 at 7:45 am
Don777. I totally agree with you. Or nation has willingly put itself under a curse…the innocent blood of our babies cries out to him.
sandy229 on May 16, 2017 at 12:07 pm
Yes, they do!
i trust jesus on May 16, 2017 at 7:54 am
Our nation
minkjh on May 16, 2017 at 12:15 pm
Well spoken, Marlena! History has shown that the attempts at marriage between church and state have not been made in heaven. If you want to cut to the chase politically, ask any elected official to define morality, integrity, and righteousness. Then ask them if they personally possess any of those attributes. The church is not without blemish either. Today too many promote a PC-JC agenda with a watered-down gospel that makes for feelin’ good. As you noted, reformation needs to take place supernaturally within the human heart. Through all this we must live in light of the Truth and remember we’re only exiles here.
sandy229 on May 16, 2017 at 2:11 pm
Lord Jesus, I come to you today and thank you for the privilege of praying for others. I’ve been the recipient of others’ prayers so often, I understand how powerful intercessory prayer can be. I ask you first to cleanse my heart and show me if there is any unconfessed sin in my own life so that my prayers for others will not be hindered. I thank you that through your name, I can come boldly before you and pray with confidence, according to your will and know that you hear me.
I lift up those in my neighborhood, in my city, and in my church. Begin with those who follow you, and help them influence others for good. Let them be salt and light, pointing others to you. Deepen their love for you and for the people around them. Guard them from hypocrisy or from giving in to temptations that could harm the cause of Christ. Raise up leaders who will serve you faithfully at all costs. Turn the hearts of fathers toward their children, and families toward you. Help them to exemplify your values, and make them bold in their faith. Strengthen my own family, and those closest to me, Lord. May our love for you help us to love and forgive others and make a difference in our world.
I pray for teachers, for students, and for all those in authority and leadership, both locally and throughout the world. Give them your mind, and surround them with godly counselors who will exercise integrity and work for justice, morality, and freedom. Help them to esteem you, not dismiss you. Send revival, Lord. In Your precious name, amen.
hsnpoor on May 16, 2017 at 7:22 pm
Beautiful prayer, Sandy!! I stand in agreement with you and add a special addendum for mercy, grace and victory, in the Name of Jesus, for our friend GG in her circumstances. Amen!
sandy229 on May 16, 2017 at 7:40 pm
Amen!