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A Christian community does not try to be prophetic; it is
by its very nature prophetic. It challenges the status quo and asks
hard questions of those who govern. The Christian
community seeks to undermine and is subversive towards a global empire
that is contra to the Kingdom rule of God. So David in Psalm 58
questions the “powers that be” and
prays for a more just government. As the election approaches we can do
the same.
God created all the earth. All societies, all
nations, all people will give account to him. His standards are
for all people. Prophets in the Old Testament brought the word
of the
Lord to many governments and peoples:
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Isaiah calls the nations to account because of their sin (Isaiah
13-23)
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Ezekiel speaks to the nations
(Ezekiel
25-32)
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The book of Jonah is all about a prophet’s message to the people of
Nineveh
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The book of Amos is a prophetic message to the ruling powers of
Israel
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Daniel in 600 BC spoke to King Nebuchadnezzar (the most powerful man
in world at the time) about ethical issues: "So, king, take my
advice: Make a clean break with your sins and start living for
others. Quit your wicked life and look after the needs of the
down-and-out. Then you will continue to have a good life."
Dan 4:27 (MSG)
Paul’s teachings in the New Testament are not just on John 3:16! He
preached on everything the Bible taught. He says to the Ephesian
elders in
Acts 20:26-27 (NLT) "No one’s damnation can be blamed on
me. I did not shrink from declaring all that God wants for you."
The implication is that if some children had gone astray because they
had not been taught about marriage and homosexuality, God would ask
Paul why he never taught these things. Paul never ran away from
controversial issues. In the New Testament Paul reasons with an
unbelieving government official about righteousness and coming
judgement (Acts
24:24-25).
In the coming election Christians will be using their votes. One
candidate’s view on one issue will probably not be the sole basis upon
which we make our decision for whom to vote. Any number of issues will
influence us. However, we do need to be ready to question and dialogue
with candidates and party members about matters of righteousness.
Having done that we can decide which candidate will get our vote.
Discussions about such issues as war and peace, abortion and adoption,
embryonic and adult stem cell research, gambling and debt, and so on
must take place.
Let it be heard by those who aspire to government that such issues do
matter to us. We are the salt of the earth and we have a voice. Let’s
use that voice as the election draws nearer.
Norm Nelson |
