Dear Members and Friends of St.
John,
You know the old saying.
“There are two things not to discuss in public - religion and politics.” Yes, I know I’m treading on dangerous ground,
but religion, or better termed, “faith” has to do with our relationship with
our Creator and Lord. Faith has to do
with our eternal welfare. Therefore
faith, or religion, is of ultimate importance and it is good to discuss. The question is whether people can actually talk
about faith in a civil manner when there are differences of opinion.
Similarly, politics affect our temporal well-being. If a nation, or state, or city, or
organization, is well-governed, all involved benefit. Likewise, bad leadership hurts all
involved. So, it is also very important,
and it is good, to discuss political issues.
Again, the question is whether people can actually discuss politics in a
civil manner when there are differences of opinion.
That is why I wish to share some faith views on our
nation and state. We are celebrating the
birthday of our nation this week. It is
worth considering God’s teaching on citizenship.
Honestly, when we moved to Alaska in 1991 I was surprised
by attitudes held by many Alaskans concerning government and its reach. More than in any place I had previously
lived, and I had lived around the eastern half of the United States, attitudes in
Alaska toward the government were antagonistic.
Attitudes were especially negative concerning the federal
government. However, each region of our
country is different. There are reasons
people feel the way they do. (I have
since run into even more negative attitudes toward the federal government in
Louisiana.)
When I was in school, my study of US history taught me that
our founding fathers saw government as a ‘necessary evil.’ That is one of the reasons for the three
branches of government, so each branch could balance and even hold back the
power of the other branches.
With all this in mind, this week we celebrate the
founding of our country, a nation that has been blessed with freedom and prosperity. But, our country currently faces real
challenges. We are divided in ways I
have never previously experienced in America.
Often, when someone has a different opinion on a political issue, others
are not willing to listen or discuss that issue. Leaders are suspect in today’s negative
climate, and are often even hated. I personally
confess that I have had differences of opinion with many of our leaders,
including both of our last two presidents.
But, if our country is going to continue in a healthy manner, the office
must be respected, and the people holding that office given the proper honor.
We are blessed, therefore, that God tells us in Scripture
He has a purpose for authority. Excerpts
from Romans 13 tell us,
“1 . . . for there is no authority
except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been
established by God. 2 Consequently, he
who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted,
and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no
terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be
free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will
commend you. 4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be
afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an
agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:1 b – 4,
see below for other references).
Did you hear that?
God Himself established authority.
The Lord gives us rulers and leaders so that those doing right are
rewarded, and so that those who do wrong are punished. God knows that His people need law and order
to exist, so He established government.
But, WHAT do we do when a leader seems to lack wisdom, or if a leader
even appears evil???
Children of God who seek God’s will do have
recourse. Actually, we do the same thing
for troubling leaders that we do for those who appear to do good. We pray.
Please read with me one other section of God’s Word on “those in
authority.
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for everyone-- 2 for kings and all those in authority,
that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This
is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to
come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
We pray for everyone, and especially for leaders because
they are human, and need help. We pray
for our rulers because they face difficult issues. We pray for good rulers, and those we may
consider to be bad rulers, because everyone can use the wisdom and guidance of
God. We pray for those in authority
because when there is law and order God’s Church can do its work and we can
share Jesus’ love.
So, this 4th of July, and time surrounding the
holiday, I ask you to join me in praying for our country and our leaders. I ask that you pray for wisdom, for justice,
for righteous, for peace, and for unity.
I know God listens to prayer.
Will our leaders and our country listen to God?
A Child of God, Praying for America and Our Leaders,
Pastor Jonathan
P.S. If you want to read more Biblical teaching on
government you might also want to read Romans 13:1-7, Matthew 22:15-22, 1
Timothy 2:1-4, Acts 5:27-29
P.P.S. Here are
some photos from a fishing / camping trip on the Little Susitna River, Sunday
night, Monday morning. https://photos.app.goo.gl/DGdLLqZsDQ2VXEpN7
P.P.P.S. Here are some pictures from a fishing trip with
some of the grandchildren on Tuesday evening at a local lake. https://photos.app.goo.gl/5nH4bxXgDJyEg8oB8
P.P.P.P.S. My family was “taking bets” on the topic of
this week’s article. This is not the
article they expected. Timeliness is
important. Those other articles can be
written later.
******
ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ - I am
sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and
friends whose e-mails I have. (I am regularly adding new names of friends
and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first
time.) However, if you do not want to receive this e-mail, please let me
know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message.
******
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