Politics of Intoxication

Warning! If you have a thin political skin do not read further because you will be offended.

One of the three great temptations of Christ in the wilderness was to bow before the gods of this world so that he might inherit the glory of the kingdoms of this world. Jesus refused to bow. Instead, he laid down his life, was lifted high upon a cross for the powers of this world to mock, was executed and buried. So much for humanity’s desire for a new world order. This present world order will do just fine, thank you very much.

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The Idolatry of Politics

The ancient people of Israel cried out, “Give us a king.” The desire for a king displeased Samuel, but Yahweh allowed Samuel to appoint a king over Israel. The desire for a king was an expression of idolatry. “The LORD said to Samuel, ‘they have rejected Me from being king over them… they have forsaken Me and served other gods'” (1 Samuel 8:5-8). The perennial temptation of humanity is to exalt human leaders to divine status. Admiration easily becomes adoration.

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Of Caesar and Mammon

The story of the kings of Israel offers to us a powerful reminder of the corruption of politics. After a period of rule by heroic judges and prophets, the people of Israel cried out, “Give us a king!” (1 Samuel 8:6). The desire for a king was nothing less than a subtle form of idolatry. “The Lord said to Samuel, ‘…they have rejected Me from being king over them…’” (1 Samuel 8:7f). Beginning at Mt. Sinai, the people of Israel often flirted with the pseudo-gods of Egypt and Canaan. Their desire for a king was a rejection of the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). Following the words of the Lord, Samuel warned the people that a royal dynasty would be oppressive and corrupt and then he anointed Saul as king over Israel.

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