Whose Side Are You On?
In the heat of the American Civil War, one of President Lincoln’s advisors said he was grateful that God was on the side of the Union. Lincoln replied, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”[1] We don’t need to say this has been one of the craziest election years. There are only 9 days left until the Election Day. Many Christians, probably many of us in this room, are frustrated, stressed or concerned about the future. Normally I am kind of a person who tries to steer away from politics, but after much thoughts and prayers I felt it might be beneficial to talk about it as we prepare for the upcoming election. This morning I am not going to tell you whom to vote for and what to vote for. Instead, I want to tell you the story of Elijah and share few things to keep in mind as Christians this election season.
God Is in Control
This is the most important truth that we need to learn from today’s passage: GOD IS IN CONTROL. Elijah experienced a great victory on Mount Carmel. God answered his prayer in a very powerful way by burning up the sacrifice on the altar. Then Elijah removed all of Baal and Asherah’s prophets. And that day there was the sound of a heavy rain after three and a half years. Revival and spiritual awakening finally seemed to come. But then, Elijah heard the news that Queen Jezebel was going to kill him by this time tomorrow. At first Elijah was quite taken aback. What he expected was King Ahab and the people of Israel would repent and now follow God’s ways. But it didn’t happen. Instead, he had to run for his life. Elijah was afraid, tired, upset, confused, disappointed, and discouraged. But then something happened. God opened Elijah’s eyes to see what was really happening. Elijah said to God, “Lord, I am the only one left, and now they are going to kill me too.” God answered, “No, Elijah! Listen! I have plans. I have a plan A, plan B, plan C… plan Z. I have a plan for Hazael, a plan for Jehu, a plan for Elisha, and most of all I have a plan for my people.” God showed Elijah something much bigger than Israel’s politics and even the world’s politics. God showed him the politics of God’s kingdom. And now Elijah realized God is fully in control of his life, of his country, and of all nations. That changed everything. Many people say that this election is the craziest one. But still God has plans. This election doesn’t have God stressed or concerned about the future. Why should we be so stressed out or concerned? God is in control.
Solitude and Silence
What does it look like for us to live out the faith “God is in control” in our daily lives, especially for 9 days? Probably it looks like reducing time spent watching or listening to political news and increasing the time of solitude and silence spent to listen to God. I am not saying that we don’t need good information to vote for the right candidate. But we need a break from the chaos, from the noise and the crowds, more than we may think. As we know, the world’s politics by nature manipulates the truth, gives us half-truths, and promotes more fear and hatred toward the other party. More than ever before we need a time of solitude and silence to listen to God’s “gentle whisper.” So this week I exhort all of us in this room to spend less time listening to political news and more time listening to God.
Prayer
Secondly, let us pray for our future president whether it’s Hillary or Trump. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "Therefore I exhort first of all that you make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone, for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty, for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior" (1 Tim 2:1-3 NKJV). When he was writing this letter, Paul was thrown in jail by the very government that he was telling people to pray for. As Christians, regardless of our party, opinions, and who gets elected, we have a holy obligation to pray for our future president. We should pray for health and safety. We should pray for wisdom to execute justice. We should pray that he or she would follow the Lord’s ways. Praying for the future president is a sure sign of our acknowledgement that God is in control.
Love
And last but not least, let us love one another deeply, from the heart no matter where we stand on politics. St. Augustine said, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.” There are some essentials we cannot comprise such as Trinitarian faith and the lordship of Jesus Christ. They are the foundations of our Christian faith. But we Christians have liberty in things that are nonessential, including politics. The political left and the political right both have good things to say, and both have their problems as well. Normally, Republican presidential candidates are better on issues like abortion, marriage and family, and religious freedom, while Democratic candidates are better on racial justice, economic justice, and the environment. In fact, we find that there was political diversity among Jesus’ disciples. Simon, a Zealot, worked against the government, while Matthew, a tax collector, worked for the government. But both of them were Jesus’ disciples. Jesus himself is nether conservative nor liberal, but he is also both. Sometimes Jesus is more conservative than the far right. He rebukes liberal Sadducees and says, “not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (Matt 5:18). Sometimes Jesus is also more progressive than the far left. He rebukes conservative Pharisees and upends religious traditions of his time, saying, “You have heard that it was said this… but I say to you that…” Jesus is outside the lines. Pastor Tim Keller once said, “The more we faithfully preach Jesus, the longer it takes people to figure out where we stand on politics.”[2] It is because Jesus is neither conservative nor liberal. John Wesley advised three things to his people who had votes in the upcoming election in this way: 1. To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy: 2. To speak no evil of the person they voted against: and, 3. To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.[3] If we faithfully follow Jesus, it is possible to disagree with others and love them deeply at the same time. “In nonessential liberty and in all things love.”
Here and Now
On Mount Horeb Elijah saw a glimpse of the glory how God’s kingdom looks like. God’s kingdom advances when we acknowledge that God is in control and do His will. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There!” for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (Luke 17:21 ESV). The kingdom of God is not limited to politics and government, but we can and must live in God’s kingdom in everyday life.
Recently I had such a vivid experience of living in God’s kingdom. I had a final interview with the Board of Ordained Ministry for the full membership connection in the UMC. Since there are so many requirements, I was not sure I would be able to apply this year. But I experienced God’s supernatural intervention and help. So I was able to apply on time. I studied hard. I prayed hard. I had mock interviews with my mentor, colleagues, seminary professors and retired clergy. I felt I was ready to go. Even during the interview hours I was confident. A day after the interview, one of the board members called me. And the board said “not yet.” I was disappointed, confused, and upset. I was worried and concerned about my future. It was hard to accept the result. That night my wife Joyce and I sat down together and took time to pray. We poured out our hearts and our disappointment. At the end of the prayer God spoke to us with a gentle whisper, “I am in control.” So finally, I was able to pray like this, “Lord, if it is the board members that say “not yet,” it’s very hard for me to accept. But if it is you who say “not yet,” I can gladly accept it. Abba Father, you are fully in control.” After this prayer, God restored to us the surpassing joy and peace that only comes from Him. Then again, I was able to pray for the UMC and for leadership with sincere heart.
Yes, this election season is a difficult time in many ways. But at the same time, it is a great opportunity to discover who we are and whose we are (cf. 1 Peter 2:9). It’s also a perfect time to seek first the kingdom of God and start living in it. In this time of trouble let us run to our broom tree and listen to God’s gentle voice. Let us take time of solitude and silence. Let us then pray earnestly for our future president because God has his divine plans. And most of all, let us stop speaking ill of the other party or candidate; instead, let us love one another deeply with all our hearts regardless of our political views. This is how we can transform our society. This is how we can live in God’s kingdom here and now. “Seek first the kingdom of God… and all these things will be added to you” (Matt 6:33). Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment