This election season, my mind has drifted a lot to the role of Christians as citizens of earthly nations. This text from 1 Samuel is a good reminder to us: our first and only legitimate ruler is God. For generations after the Israelites escaped Pharaoh's rule, God was recognized as their King: they had "Judges" to help interpret what God to say, but that was it.
I don't think that means earthly governments are "illegitimate", or that some sort of theocracy is the only way to go. I actually treasure living in a country where my faith--or any faith--is truly voluntary.
What it does mean is that no earthly ruler, government, or nation should demand a Christian's ultimate loyalty, and though we are called to pray for them, we are also obligated to offer a prophetic word when they fall short of God's will for humankind.
I feel this is an especially important in a democracy, where the role of "king" is divided among the people. Our responsibility to God and our neighbor is even higher than it would have been for the Israelites, because the government that is either getting it right (or let's face it, more often pretty wrong) is us. God has appointed *us* with care for God's people and creation. May we wear the "crown" well.
God, help us to rule justly, knowing any authority we have comes from you. Let us seek your wisdom, compassion, and love. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment