What God thinks is important in Candidates..

 “Is this what makes you a king, having more cedar than anyone else? Didn’t your father eat and drink and still do what was just and right? Then it went well for him! He defended the rights of the poor and needy; then it went well. Isn’t that what it means to know me? declares the LORD.”

Jeremiah‬ ‭22:15-16‬ ‭CEB‬‬

““Watch out for false prophets. They come to you dressed like sheep, but inside they are vicious wolves. You will know them by their fruit. Do people get bunches of grapes from thorny weeds, or do they get figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, and every rotten tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit. And a rotten tree can’t produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, you will know them by their fruit.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:15-20‬ ‭CEB‬‬

During the reign of King Joakim,  (600 years prior to Jesus),  the small country of Judah was a relatively small player in an unfolding drama between regional super-powers seeking to dominant what we describe now as the Middle East.  The leaders of Judah were not elected or decided upon via popular mandate.  The King was the oldest male descendent of the preceding King with some exceptions such as  when the oldest son was killed, impaired, or simply declined.  King Joakim lead a nation that faced unprecedented threats from aggressive nations such as Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon.  The climate of the country was marked by stress, anxiety, and disorientation.  In the midst of the despair, King Joakim sought alliances with other nations to bring about stability and safety.  This was a common political practice of the day (and today), but it also demonstrated where the leader and the nation placed their trust.  The Prophet Isaiah wrote earlier:

Doom to those going down to Egypt for help?  They rely on horses, trust in chariots because they are many, and on riders because they are very strong.  But they don’t look to the holy one of Israel; they don’t seek the LORD. Isaiah 31:1 CEB

The people of Israel and Judah were to seek God as their protector and provider.  Military alliances were not forbidden, but were seen as a sign to God as a lack of devotion.  The effect of Judah was capture and exile.  There was eventual restoration but after horrific suffering.

This week , our nation has  the privilege of choosing it s next leader and we find ourselves in the midst of some of the most difficult and contentious times that I have ever lived in.  While the United States is not a theocracy, it was founded on some Jude-Christian principles (although it is clear that the United States is not and was not a Christian nation) and followers of Jesus have a significant influence on our elections.  We are in what the Bible calls “Perilous times”.   We have a global pandemic where over 230,000 lives have been lost with over 9 million confirmed cases.  We have seen the rearing of the head of racism, and violent nationalism  that sparked the largest set of demonstrations that the world has every seen.  We have thousands  in horrific conditions at our southern border seeking relief but being met with fear, inhospitable conditions, and cruelty.  We have reset the standard of success to focus on exceptionalism, greed, and aggression.

In choosing the next leader, it is no longer useful to try and analyze a candidates faith or value system. An honest assessment of Church history reveals a horrible track record of almost every type of atrocity including genocide, Chattel slavery, and theft in the name of Christianity.  In fact, this was not only evident but foundational to the colonization of the North American continent.  16th century prophet Bartoleme De Las Casa spoke out against the exploitation of indigenous Mexican peoples by Spanish missionaries by declaring “Therefore let those who, under the pretext of spreading the faith, invade, stead, and keep the possessions of others by force of arms—let them fear God, who punishes perverse endeavors.”

The core task of a prophetic impulse of Christianity is to speak reality in the midst of dominant but deceptive narratives, call people of faith towards grief that comes from realized complicity, and promote hope in the midst of despair and discouragement.   The prophet Jeremiah spoke to King Joakim  and challenged him to understand that true security is found in trusting God and practicing justice, with a particular concern for the most vulnerable in his nation.  God goes as far as saying that these issues of justice (restorative) are at the core of what it means to actually know God (Jer 22::15-16) .

Jesus would tall his disciples that there would be false prophets or leaders who will come and propose all kinds of ways of leading but that the disciples should not listen to what is said, but look at the fruit of their actions, policies, and practices. Jesus says that we will know the quality of a leader by the fruit of their leadership.

Jesus goes even further to tell a story about the ultimate judgement of all of humanity:

““Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Get away from me, you who will receive terrible things. Go into the unending fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels. I was hungry and you didn’t give me food to eat. I was thirsty and you didn’t give me anything to drink. I was a stranger and you didn’t welcome me. I was naked and you didn’t give me clothes to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ “ Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and didn’t do anything to help you?’ Then he will answer, ‘I assure you that when you haven’t done it for one of the least of these, you haven’t done it for me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment. But the righteous ones will go into eternal life. ””

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:41-46‬ ‭CEB‬‬

There is a connection between treatment of others, particularly those who are vulnerable and suffering, and knowledge of God Almighty.  So, in the privilege we have in voting the next leader, it is important to look for fruit that demonstrates care for the most vulnerable people in our society.  This is why, as one leaders described the church as “Suffering, Serving, and Sent”.  The people of God are to reflect the priorities of God for the sake of the World.

God’s desired will is described in the Psalms:

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭89:14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The foundation of God’s will is righteousness (right relationships between people) and justice (love acted out in the public sphere).  What proceeds from God will always be truthful and loving.  Period.  No matter who tries to convince you that something cruel is from God.  Leaders who seek God will have fruit that demonstrates compassion, even if its sacrificial.

Take time to vote and analyze the politicians on what they have done and the quality of its fruit.  

Speak truth in Love

Convict toward repentance, never condemnation

Give hope that is not based upon any particular ideology or political paradigm, but based upon the hope that a leader will know God and practice the love-driven  justice that comes God.

Bless you as you dare to make a difference