Pastor John Wright

The politics of the nation-state have kicked into their highest tones of shrillness as elections draw near. I must admit to a bit of fascination watching the theater unfold. Given the impact of unemployment and inflation on the poor, the violence of invasion and war, the continued loss of the life of the unborn, I pray for justice, though I hope at most for less injustice. The problem, of course, is that no one has the capacity to see the relative insignificance of the elections, except the poor. They know that they will be excluded no matter who sits in what chamber to cast votes. One can not have justice without just persons, and one cannot have just persons unless one begins with proper worship of the Triune God.

Our readings this week give a perspective for us – the church whose citizenship is in heaven. The readings remind us that regardless of the “winners” and “losers”, we will continue to live as aliens and sojourners – pilgrims. Most important they remind us that the nation-state is not sovereign; God is sovereign. The leaders of the world serve God, ultimately whether they want to or not, in their victories and in their defeats. This does not condone their activities. They are ordained by God to restrain evil, not to accomplish the good. If they fail at this divinely ordained task, they will receive God’s judgment. We cannot collapse the significance of the eternal to its support of the temporal; but the temporal bears its significance only in light of the eternal.
By beginning with the OT reading, moving to the Gospel, and then on to the Epistle, we find a work of faith, a labor of love, and an assurance of hope that keeps us going in the hard work of living as a pilgrim people, carrying for a pilgrimage way-station, vowed to works of mercy in these times.

Isaiah 45:1-7

A little background can help understand this passage. Cyrus was a Iranian king who looked to conquer a Iraqi (Babylonian) empire. The Babylonians had taken captive persons who had lived in Jerusalem and deported them into southern Iraq. The passage describes the capital of the Babylonians – Babylon (!). It was in an island with gates, bronze, etc.

What does the Lord say about the Lord’s relationship to Cyrus? Is this relationship reciprocal – is Cyrus aware of it? What is the purpose for the divine election of Cyrus? How does Cyrus’ election by God relate to God’s election of Israel? Ultimately, who is this passage about? Is Cyrus sovereign? Who does this passage reveal the Lord to be? What are the implications of this for God’s elect, Israel?

Matthew 22:15-22

On Sunday we will spend much of our time on this passage. Again some background: the Roman emperor claimed, and his adherents, claimed to be a god, worthy of ultimately loyalty/faith; taxes went to support the imperial occupation of Judah and Galilee through a political ruler who claimed to be sovereign, as a god the representative of the gods. It is not merely that the image of Caesar that would offend Jews, it is the divine claim for Caesar that accompanied his claim for sovereignty.

What is the purpose of the flattery that the Pharisees and Herodians with the initial statement to Jesus? Why does Jesus ask for a coin before answering? It seems to me that there are two interpretations of Jesus’ statement, maybe both valid. One is based upon the assumption that Jesus presupposes two realms of existence: one governed by Caesar, one governed by God. If so, what does the statement mean? The other presupposes that there is only one realm and God reigns over it in sovereignty; Caesar as an idol, a false god. If so what does the statement mean? Can both interpretations be simultaneously correct? If so, what does that mean?

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Our passage provides an exhortation for our response to the above statements. First, how is it that the writes give thanks for the believers in Thessalonica? What is it about the Thessalonians that brings forth thanksgiving for them? What “kind of persons” does the passage encourage us to become? What was the basis, the beginning for the Thessalonians to become this type of people? Note that the threefold supernatural virtues of faith, hope, and love occur in this passage. How are these virtues related to the persecution that the Thessalonians have experienced? What does that persecution tell them about their “citizenship”?

As one reads these passages, what is the implications for life in this world of God’s sovereignty for the church? Why do issues of “citizenship” bring forth such deep passions?
Have a wonderful evening!

"One can not have justice without just persons, and one cannot have just persons unless one begins with proper worship of the Triune God."

Really?

I don't know where to begin with that sentence.

I would say 2 things:
1) Just acts can be (and are done) daily by "unjust" people.
2) Just persons can (and do) exist who do not worship a Triune God.

There are "other sheep" out there that belong to God and are spreading His love, peace (and justice) to creation.