Pilot Knob Lutheran Justice and Truth 11/2/2022
By now, if not before you’re looking forward to the election being over and an end to the political attacks a! ds. Some would like to avoid politics altogether, while some of us would like to see an end to the ‘mud-slinging’ and character assassination of their political opponent. Stick to the issues and speak truth.
However, does the bible have anything to say about politics and government? Yes! Genesis 9:6 “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed for in the image of God has God made mankind.
Romans 13:1-7 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Genesis is the first mention of human government to protect man’s unalienable rights from man’s sinful behavior. Because of sin we humans tend to infringe on other’s rights in an effort to improve our own; therefore, a political system must exist to protect these God given rights and to keep evil in check.
Protecting our rights from evil means promoting justice. This begs the question, what is justice? Jeremiah 21:12This is what the Lord says to you, house of David: “‘Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done— burn with no one to quench it. Dr. E. C. Beisner says “justice and truth are interrelated, for justice is the practice of truth in human relationships . . .justice is rendering to each his due according to a right standard.” A Christian would define ‘Justice as rendering impartially to each his due according to the standard of God’s perfect will expressed in His moral law. Justice then is the main reason for the government’s existence.
Since justice is the practice of truth and God established government and is Truth it is even more important to elect government officials/servants who desire to promote justice according to truth, grounded in God’s word. We all have an opportunity and God given obligation to cast our vote next Tuesday for the candidate who can best uphold justice and truth.
“Our U.S. constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.” John Adams
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way: Saturday 5, turn your clocks back one hour. More sleep!
Today, 4:30 Confirmation class.
November 6, 9:00 Morning worship & Holy Communion. Exodus 3:1-15 Strange Fire
10:15 Sunday school for all ages.
**Grounded in God. Rooted in research. Get sample ballots, voting information, candidate evaluations and more no matter where you live, specific to your location. Go to: ivoterguide.com to learn about candidates.
~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/
Sermons may be heard on KIOW 107.3 FM Sunday mornings at 7:00. Spread the word. If you would like to support this outreach with a contribution, it costs $55 each week.
