Day 7...Politics

I have been confronted with and thinking about politics alot lately. My biggest question has been, what would Jesus say about our vote and our political viewpoints? I read an article about Jesus and Politics, but it wasn't the article that spoke to me...it was a response from an anonymous writer (I think that it's worth reading):

"I see Jesus as totally apolitical. Our arguments over government are not the issue...

Even during Jesus' earthly ministry, others tried to get him into politics. The example that is most prominent is his response to the pharisees regarding payment of tribute to Caesar, but even his role as Messiah was not understood. To most Jews of the day, the Messiah was the savior who would kick out the Romans and give earthly strength and power to Israel. This is why his role as conqueror of sin was not fully appreciated even by his disciples until his resurrection.

So would a modern day Jesus preach on the issues of the day? I would imagine so, but using timeless truths. So on issues like taking care of the poor, would he prefer public sector assistance or private sector assistance? I could see either or both. One could make the case that the codification of caring for the poor by legislation is the implementation of the second part of the greatest commandment. One could also make the case that by institutionalizing that care we are avoiding our individual and personal responsibility and basically subcontracting our obligation in an example of guilt avoidance. We can say that if everyone was a practicing Christian everyone would want the government to care for the poor, or that if everyone was a practicing Christian we wouldn't need the government to care for the poor.

As for the issue of war, Jesus preached relatively little about it. Ironically, God had the Israelites go to war to establish their kingdom. He even blessed them and allowed them victories over numerically and technically superior foes. We also know that his reign on Earth will begin with the end of a great war. So would Jesus have been for or against the Iraq war?

As for abortion, I can't imagine a pro-choice Jesus, or teaching in favor of euthanasia.

The point is that Jesus wouldn't be a Democrat or a Republican. He teaches the Truth. He is the light of the world. A political affiliation pales by comparison. If we read John 8:31-32, He says, "If ye continue in my words, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."

So get in the Word, pray fervently, and you will know how you should vote. But I don't think Jesus is going to hand out endorsements like a newspaper editorial page."

-anonymous

I found this very interesting...

Father speak to your body as we come upon this highly "political" time. Help us to navigate our decisions, and root them in your Word. Thank you that you are so far beyond our thoughts of politics, and that you still walk with us even when we get so caught up in meaningless things. Thank you for your mercy and grace. You are wonderful. Amen.