The Politics of Jesus

 

My wife and I just returned from a week of vacation.  For the first four days, we didn’t have internet or phone access.  It was good soul-cleansing therapy.  I recommend it.  But it didn’t take long, listening to the radio on our road trip to western Iowa, to get immersed again in the mire of political angst that has engulfed our culture.  It’s a toxic environment, to be sure.  And people of faith are not immune.  Many who claim to be followers of Jesus have allowed themselves to be swallowed up in the hatred and anger of this political season.  Family tensions are deepening, as relatives on opposing sides don’t talk with each other or, if they do, their conversation becomes heated and destructive.  Doesn’t matter if they’re progressive or conservative. Like so many in our polarized culture, these angst-filled Christians feel that if their side loses, it will likely be the end of our country as we know it.  Consequently, there’s panic, fear, and anger infecting their souls.  This should not be.  There is only one Savior.  No politician or political party will save our country.  Those who claim to follow Jesus need to take a deep breath and consider again his words of wisdom.   

In the last tumultuous week of the Savior’s life, he was confronted by political and religious leaders who were trying to trap him into saying something that would be incriminating.  “Tell us—is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them, or shouldn’t we?”  Jesus asked them for a Roman coin.  Looking at it, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”  “Caesar’s,” they replied.  “Well, then,” he countered, “render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar and unto God what belongs to him.”  It was a brilliant reply that left them dumbfounded.

 There’s a lot of theological meat to chew on here.  But in simple terms, Jesus’ reply reminds us that as citizens of any country, we receive benefits which put us under obligation to our governing authorities.  For us as Americans, we have a duty to pay our taxes and cast an informed vote.  But more importantly, we are God’s coins since his image is stamped on our soul.  Consequently, we owe him everything.  Give yourself – everything and all that you are - back to him.  That is your obligation.  God’s kingdom trumps – if I may use that word - every other earthly kingdom.  

Far too many American Christians have allowed their spirit to be overrun by the fear, anger, and even hatred that is consuming the rest of our country.  I’m not saying that this isn’t an important election.  It is.  On the right and on the left, there are very different visions of what America should be.  I believe that the outcome of this election will be very consequential for our future.  But no matter who wins or loses in this election cycle, none of the candidates will fill the role of Savior.  That person is uniquely the Lord Jesus Christ.  As for whoever wins the election, let us not forget this truth: “The ruler’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases” (Prov. 21:1).  Ultimately, God is in control.

 When Jesus came into Jerusalem, he was dealing with unimaginable evil forces.  And yet, we don’t see him screaming or yelling.  True, he drove the money changers out of the Temple, but he didn’t attack their human dignity like political opponents do in our day.  He was the model of self-control.  In the midst of hellish confrontation, Jesus always maintained his serenity. 

We should be like that, too.  I know this is hard.  I have felt the fear and despair over our country as well.  We’re putting too much stock in “Caesar.”  It’s time to give our all – our hopes, our dreams, our fears, and our affections – over to God who has claimed us and stamped his own image upon us.  Put away your fear, your fantasies, and your anger.  In this season of great cultural angst, let us be a people of peace and serenity, knowing that God is sovereign over every nation.