Rev. Reed Lee Pedersen's
Too often I have heard of colleagues being told to not bring politics into the pulpit by parishioners. Many times this reaction comes when a preacher repeats Jesus' words in response to something happening in the world today. While it is true that one cannot tell you who to vote for from the pulpit (unless you want your non-profit status stripped), this statement about politics in the pulpit makes the false assumption that Jesus was not political. Political From Birth Even before he could speak the Magi and Israelite scholars pointed very clearly to the Messiah being born underneath a star in the town of Bethlehem. “In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:1-6) Why was Herod scared? He was not worried about Jesus, the Messiah. He was worried about Jesus, the proposed king and true heir of David. (Even though Herod was king of the Israelites, his family was a group of outsiders who converted to Judaism. They were not true heirs of King David.) He sent his men to murder all the boys in Bethlehem 2 years old and younger to try to rid the world of the boy who was his political opponent (Matthew 2:16). Clear View on Leadership Jesus made it clear about what it means to rule and be a leader. It is not done with force and lording power over others. It is done through service. “Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28) This is an interesting message for the political leaders of their time and for our political leaders today. Leading is done by serving others rather than ourselves. Jesus’ Kingdom Talk Was Political Jesus spoke time and again of the coming Kingdom of God/Heaven. As a person living underneath the rule of an empire imagine how this might be received? Jesus is openly speaking of a realm that will come and take over the world. A realm which favors the poor, welcomes the outcast, heals the sick, loves the enemy, uplifts the oppressed, feeds the hungry, blesses those who are weeping, says woe to the rich who seek to sit on their money instead of using it to help those in need, says woe to those who are full and do not share their food, and says woe to those laughing at those who mourn. (Luke 6:20-26) Jesus does not just promise this to us, but he also asks that we help prepare the Kingdom of God/Heaven as we await the return of Christ. In the parable of the sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46) Jesus makes a claim about who is in the right and who is in the wrong. Those in the right looked after those in need. In fact, by serving the hungry, thirsty, and homeless Jesus makes the claim that you are actually serving Jesus, himself. Those in the wrong ignored the troubles of the oppressed, outcasts, and thus, Jesus, himself. Let Us Strive To Follow Jesus Please note these words from Jesus as you think about how our government is run. Many might point to the sheep and goats parable and Jesus’ words to be about individual acts. While he is talking to individuals I think it is important that we do not miss out on the big picture. What would it look like if on a large scale we could try to get as close to the Kingdom of God/Heaven as possible? What if we voted and spoke out for leaders that seek to actually serve others rather than themselves? What if we actually would strive, vote, help, and advocate in ways that actually supported our fellow humans who suffer? In the midst of this government shutdown over a wall I invite you to think about these questions and words from Jesus. While our government continues to be shutdown Jesus’ political view of love for all people continues on for the followers of Christ to share. Points to Ponder:
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AuthorPastor Reed is a first call pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Illinois. Archives
July 2019
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