For the past three hours, I have been prayerfully discerning whether or not I had something to say regarding yesterday’s events in our nation’s capital. I cannot comment on everything that has happened in the past nor deal with every political issue being raised and I do not always even know WHAT to say when national events take place. But on this issue, I must be very clear.
My primary posture in this moment is one of prayer. When rioting took place this past summer and we watched as businesses owned by immigrants were burned down, many of us were angry but many of us went into our prayer closets and began to call upon the Holy Spirit to bring the peace of Jesus. It is with that same posture that I write.
This is not a Democrat, Republican, or Independent perspective — this is a kingdom of God perspective. The teachings of Scripture are clear on this matter and Jesus’ words to Peter are instructive: “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Any politician who teaches differently is deceived. And any Christian who buys into this way of thinking is falling for a destructive deception that will only lead to death.
There are many who believe that the Church should stay out of politics, but I want to make clear that the MOST POLITICAL statement of all is the declaration that “Jesus is Lord” because it also implied, in the 1st Century, that Caesar is not. Jesus is our king and we look to him with all of our allegiances. To look elsewhere, beyond Jesus, for political hope will ultimately lead to disappointment. For Christians, our primary “leader” is Jesus. And that is why we often feel such political unrest because we know, based on what we see in Scripture, that no political party on earth can perfectly represent what God offers us.
So under no uncertain terms I condemn yesterday’s violence at our nation’s capital. Peaceful protests are one thing, mob rule and looting and violence are another. It does not matter who participates in these tragic acts… it’s not the way of Jesus.
I am grieved by the level of hate and anger that is controlling many in our world, especially in our country. And yet I also am proud that so many in our church community have worked hard to continue keeping the tensions that are so challenging. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about Jesus, the Bible, and how Christians should engage in politics, so feel free to reach out to me if you have questions. It’s very common for some to respond to things like this with “What about?” questions, and I’m happy to answer those questions, so feel free to ask. This is not capitulation to “liberals” and “progressives” in the least; rather, this is living under the authority of Jesus and Scripture.
I leave you with the words of the Apostle John:
In the grace, mercy, truth, and love of Jesus,
Pastor Luke
