As Thomas Paine once wrote, ‘These are the times that try men’s souls.’ I’ve never lived in such a disruptive time as we are now experiencing. We’re in an age where we have fantastic technology, as well as a vast amount of information, and yet we’re bombarded with fake news, harmful lies, and conspiracy theories that only serve to create more chaos, more anxiety, and more disturbances all over the world.
I’ve seen good friends being duped by powerful liars and Christian folks being led into idolatry. I’ve watched thousands of people physically and violently attack our government buildings and seen racists rise to power using fear and intimidation to threaten our society’s stability. I’ve witnessed good people retreat into silence and surrender to despair because of outspoken bullies whose diabolical agenda will ruin and destroy the great freedoms of our nation. If ever there was a time when we really needed the fortitude, frankness, and faith of our Founding Fathers and Mothers, then that time is surely now.
As I read today’s lectionary gospel passage, it struck me that the only command that God gives to others about His Son Jesus is to listen to Him. Even after all of this time, it’s still pertinent and essential in our society to be reading, hearing, as well as applying what Jesus has to say. There are those who peddle His words in order to gain more power, forgetting that this was the last thing He set out to accomplish. There are those who approve and consent to bullying and intolerance, forgetting that those things were not part of Christ’s ministry or mission. Those who condone bullies are the worst kind of cowards and are far from the Christianity that Christ personally expressed. They’re not just defying God’s command; they’re actually ignoring Jesus and are doomed into following devils in saviors’ clothing.
If we truly want to make America great again – in fact, if we truly want to make the world a better place, then we need to listen to Jesus first and foremost. And if the messages and manner of powerful people conflict with the manner and message of Christ, we should stop listening to and supporting them – we should only hear and apply what Christ has to say in order to truly follow Him.
Point to ponder: Am I listening to Jesus or just hearing what I want others to say?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we only have ourselves to blame for the leaders we choose, especially if we see them being hateful and spiteful, intolerant and belittling others. You know what lies we embrace and how we justify supporting those who are false. Liberate us from our political addiction and save us from ourselves. In Your Holy Name, help us listen and pray. Amen.
John Stuart is a retired
Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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