Psalm 82
A Psalm of Asaph.
82 God has taken his place in the divine council;
in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
2 “How long will you judge unjustly
and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding,
they walk about in darkness;
all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
6 I said, “You are gods,
sons of the Most High, all of you;
7 nevertheless, like men you shall die,
and fall like any prince.”
8 Arise, O God, judge the earth;
for you shall inherit all the nations!
Dear Folks,
We live in a world and a society often consumed by the clamor of political discourse, a world where opinions clash, and divisions seem to deepen with each passing day. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be salt and light in this world, but how are we to navigate the often-turbulent waters of politics? How do we engage in discussions that can be so fraught with tension and disagreement? To find our way, we must look to the life and teachings of our Lord, for his journey unfolded within a political landscape as complex and challenging as our own.
The Gospels paint a vivid picture of first-century Judea, not merely as a backdrop for spiritual pronouncements, but as a land firmly under the thumb of the Roman Empire. This was a world of occupation, where resentment simmered beneath the surface, and power struggles were rife. To truly grasp the impact of Jesus’ message, we must understand this deeply political context. Rome’s presence was not just about foreign soldiers; it permeated the very structure of governance, often through local rulers like Herod, who were seen by many as collaborators with the imperial power. Judea itself eventually came under direct Roman administration, ruled by prefects like Pontius Pilate. This constant presence of foreign power fostered a longing for liberation and a deep-seated tension within the Jewish populace.
Within this framework of Roman dominance, the Jewish religious authorities also wielded significant, though limited, political influence. The High Priest in Jerusalem acted as a crucial intermediary between the Roman prefect and the Jewish community. The Temple, the center of Jewish religious life, also held significant economic and political sway. Moreover, Jewish society was internally divided, with various sects holding differing political and theological viewpoints, adding to the overall instability. Against this backdrop of occupation and division, the hope for the Messiah burned brightly, a hope that carried strong political overtones, with many anticipating a deliverer who would restore Jewish sovereignty. Even the ministry of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus, was not immune to political realities, ultimately leading to his arrest by Herod Antipas.
Jesus’ own ministry emerged within this politically charged environment. His interactions with Roman authorities, particularly his trial before Pontius Pilate, reveal the inherent political dimensions of his life. The charges leveled against him were not solely religious; they were framed in political terms – perverting the nation, forbidding the payment of taxes to Caesar, and claiming to be Christ, a king. When Pilate asked, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus’ response, "My kingdom is not of this world," offers a profound insight into how we, as Christians, should understand the relationship between earthly and heavenly authority. While acknowledging the reality of earthly power, Jesus points to a different, transcendent realm of authority. His teaching on paying taxes – "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" – provides a crucial framework. It acknowledges the legitimacy of secular authority in its own sphere while firmly asserting the ultimate authority of God. This delicate balance calls us to be responsible citizens while never forgetting our primary allegiance lies with the Kingdom of God.
Jesus’ interactions with the Jewish authorities also held significant political undertones. The Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council, possessed both religious and political authority under Roman oversight. Jesus’ frequent clashes with the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians often revolved around interpretations of the law that had direct implications for social order and political power. His criticisms of their hypocrisy and self-righteousness challenged their authority and influence among the people. Even his deliberate association with marginalized groups, tax collectors and those considered "sinners," was a politically subversive act, challenging the established social hierarchies and the authority of those who benefited from them.
The concept of the "Kingdom of God," central to Jesus’ message, carried profound political implications. In a world where "kingdom" referred to earthly rule, Jesus’ use of this term to describe God’s reign was inherently political. For his Jewish audience, living under Roman rule, the "Kingdom of God" evoked hopes for liberation and justice. Jesus’ vision of this Kingdom served as a direct challenge to the "domination system" of the Roman Empire, offering an alternative sovereign authority in God. His teachings, such as "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," express a desire for God's justice and peace to permeate all aspects of life, including the political sphere. Yet, Jesus made it clear that this Kingdom was not to be established through earthly power or violence, but through love, sacrifice, and the transformation of hearts.
Jesus’ actions, like the cleansing of the Temple, were not merely religious acts but also direct challenges to the economic and political status quo. His disruption of the money changers and sellers exposed the corruption and self-interest that had infiltrated the heart of religious life, activities deeply intertwined with the political power structures of Judean society. This bold act enraged the religious leaders, contributing to their desire to see him silenced.
So, how does all of this inform our engagement with politics today? We learn from Jesus that our faith cannot be divorced from the realities of the world around us, including the political sphere. We are called to be aware of the systems of power and to engage with them thoughtfully and critically. We are to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, fulfilling our civic duties, participating in our communities, and upholding just laws. However, our ultimate allegiance remains to God and his Kingdom. This means we must evaluate all earthly powers and political ideologies through the lens of the Gospel.
Jesus’ example calls us to engage with politics not with the aim of earthly domination or the pursuit of self-interest, but with the values of the Kingdom of God: love, justice, mercy, humility, and service. We are called to advocate for the marginalized, to speak truth to power, and to challenge unjust structures. Our political engagement should be marked by respect for those with whom we disagree, a commitment to truth and integrity, and a willingness to listen and understand different perspectives. Just as Jesus challenged the norms of his time, we too may find ourselves challenging the prevailing political and social norms when they contradict the values of God’s Kingdom.
To remain silent or indifferent to the political realities that shape our communities and world can be a profound disservice to the teachings of Christ. To claim ignorance of the impact of political decisions on the vulnerable, the oppressed, and the very fabric of society can be a form of willful blindness, neglecting the call to love our neighbors as ourselves. To shrink back from engaging in the public square with the convictions of our faith, perhaps out of fear of controversy or a desire for worldly approval, can be a form of spiritual cowardice, failing to be the salt and light Jesus called us to be. Indeed, when we consciously choose to absent ourselves from the pursuit of justice and the establishment of righteous governance, we risk aligning ourselves with the forces that perpetuate injustice, a stance that stands in stark contrast to the very essence of Christ's mission to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, and freedom to the oppressed. Our faith is not a private matter confined to the walls of our churches; it is a transformative power meant to shape every aspect of our lives, including our engagement with the earthly kingdom in anticipation of the heavenly one.
Folks, let us engage in political discussions with humility and grace, remembering that we are first and foremost citizens of God’s Kingdom. Let our words and actions reflect the love of Christ, seeking not to win arguments but to build bridges, to heal divisions, and to work towards a more just and peaceful world, a world where God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Love,
+Br'er Abbot
