via TJC
“Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever…”
—Isaiah 9:7 (NIV)
If you and I spend time together, it won’t take long for you to learn I love politics. I mean, I LOVE IT! I hate partisanship but I LOVE politics. When I say I love it, I mean I watch CSPAN like SEC fans watch Game Day. I love the idea that our government is meant to be first, and always, a servant for the people. But let’s be honest—that can be a very “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” view of the political landscape. The other lens looks a little more “House of Cards” (not gonna lie, I love that lens too).
It’s not the underhandedness and back-biting, but the realization that making the sausage is an ugly process and not for the faint of heart. Politics is a contact sport. If I’m honest, I can let the thrill of the blood-sport and the chess match become zero-sum in my viewpoints and relationships. At times, you’d think I might believe the success or failure of
the government rests on my shoulders. It doesn’t. That isn’t ours to bear.
But that posture makes it an idol and leads to self-righteousness.
Isaiah paints a picture that is especially timely as we face another presidential campaign season. In this climate, it is easy to miss the purpose of government and just root for or against a jersey. Isaiah foretells the coming Messiah and says, “…the government will be on His shoulders.” He is saying the Messiah will carry the weight. He will serve, and the greatness of his government and peace will know no end. We are the Messiah’s ambassadors. We usher his peace and greatness. This isn’t just a posture towards or against policy, but one of peace, love, tone, and message. If our message sounds like the masses, if it introduces division (division is not debate), if after a discussion you haven’t learned more about the other person and their ideas but shared about your own, then the message is lost.
Daily Battle Order:
As Kingdom Men, we are leaders. We are peacemakers. We break down barriers. I’m sure a political or current event discussion will present itself today. When it does, engage and make peace that honors the greatness of His government carried on His shoulders.
Commentaires