In a nod to all my friends from the U.K., it’s the penultimate day of Reclaiming Christmas.
As the race for the U.S. Presidency begins in earnest, many different “Jesuses” are going to be trotted out in attempts to justify a variety of political positions. In the acrimonious and contentious climate that now prevails in the political arena, those of us who claim to be Christians will be challenged this year to maintain a focus on what is real, what is true, and what does not change. Today’s devotional includes the following excerpt from the book of Isaiah, chapter 42: “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.
I was reflecting on this passage of scripture in light of things I’ve been reading online and absorbing from other forms of media regarding the 2012 presidential campaign. Perhaps it’s just where I’m at these days, but I was struck by the personal nature of the excerpt above. We are told that God upheld (strengthened) Jesus and delighted in Him because He came to bring justice to the nations. In that regard, the passage is primarily about how Jesus would accomplish this…not through power or might, but through a faithfulness rooted in character. Based on the subsequent example of Jesus’ life (as set forth in the gospels), we are exhorted not to rely on shouting or crying out, or raising our voices in the street (today, the “online street”) – although occasionally this may be required. We are also exhorted not to break a bruised reed or to snuff out a smoldering wick. In practical terms, this means that we shouldn’t take advantage of the weaknesses and failings of others (Lord knows we all have them). These are practices that run contrary to our basic human nature – and no, I don’t believe that people are essentially “good”. Based on these reflections, I’m reminded this morning that justice is not something we do, but rather, it flows out of who we are.
For me, this is affirmed in the following excerpt from the writings of the prophet Amos:
“I hate, I despise your feast days, And I do not savor your sacred assemblies. Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them, Nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings. Take away from Me the noise of your songs, For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments. But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream.” (Amos 5:21-24, NKJV)
Do I care about my country, the course it’s charting for the future, and how it’s perceived in the world? Absolutely! Am I willing to shout down or belittle others whose views differ from my own, disrupt the lives of others to make a point, or take advantage of the weaknesses and failings of others to gain a “victory”? I sure hope not!
As I conclude this reflection, I’m struck by a sobering thought: if I allow myself to become a person who does those types of things in one area of life, do I really believe that the accompanying “attitude” I develop would be confined there? I have a pretty good idea what Jesus would say about that.
