Exploring how would Jesus vote 1(3)

With the General Election in just over two weeks, we are exploring over three Sundays where our responsibilities lie, God or Government? How do we begin to choose – what are we looking for? What is our responsibility as a Christian when it comes to voting?

First of All what does the Bible say?

·      Old Testament: 25% of the book of Deuteronomy is about government

·      Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles all unfold events happening in and to Israel in the political arena.

·      Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes & Song of Solomon written by Kings who operated in the political arena.

·      Nehemiah, Esther & Daniel all give examples of people who served in the political arena under rulers & regimes that did not know or fear God.

·      Jesus:  Mark 12:13-17

·      Paul:  Romans 13

·      Peter:  1 Peter 2

What did Jesus say?

The question posed by Jewish Leaders to Jesus, regarding whether they should pay taxes to Caesar or not. – GOD or GOVERNMENT?  In a remarkable example of a word of wisdom Jesus declared, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s." Mark 12:13-17. The Jews cast the questions as an “either/or” situation, but Jesus gave a “both-and” response. 

In other words God and Government are not alternatives but complementary.

In Romans 13:1 – 8 we read how God is the ultimate source of all authority and all authority is derived from him (v1,2). God has delegated a measure of authority to human governments (v2) and they are accountable to him. Governments are designated “God’s Servants” 3 times (v4,4,6).  Paul uses the same Greek word for servants that he uses elsewhere for Christian workers. 

      

According to Paul, the purpose of Government is to promote the common good and (v3,4) to restrain evil and punish evil-doers (v3,4). He goes on to talk in Romans 13 about how a Christian’s civic duties include: 

I. submitting to governing authorities (v1)

II. paying taxes (v7)

III. showing respect (v7)

IV. giving honour (v7) and also   V. praying (1Tim 2:1-2)

VI. voting (Rom 13 extrapolation)

VII. for some, serving as a politicians or working in the
         Public Sector, for example Joseph, Daniel, Esther, Erastus,
         (Rom16:24); Manaen (Acts 13:1)

Landa Cope in 'The Old Testament Template' writes, that if you are:  “A lawyer, judge, police officer, civil servant, soldier, elected official or social worker or you serve our nation’s government in any other capacity, you have a high calling from God.  The pillars of God’s kingdom are justice and righteousness.  You are challenged by Scripture to be God’s extension of justice to the people you serve.  It does not matter whether you work in a system that is fair or thoroughly unjust – the call is to give and work for the highest level of justice possible in the system…  First you must be just in your own dealings with people, then you must work to make the institutions, systems and laws just. You are God’s strategy for discipling our nation.” 

An interesting point to notice is that the New Zealand Parliament commences its daily affairs in the House with the following prayer: 

“Almighty God, humbly acknowledging our need for guidance in all things and laying aside all private and personal interests, we beseech Thee to grant that we may conduct the affairs of this House, and our country to the glory of Thy holy name, the maintenance of true religion and justice, the honour of the Queen, and the public welfare, peace and tranquility of
New Zealand through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.”

So where to from here?

That prayer is pretty amazing, somewhere in our nation’s founding there must have been a core belief that God was interested in politics to have a prayer like that instituted. This is just the start of the discussion. Spend some time this week thinking about what questions/thoughts/actions you have. Maybe talk to your family or those that you live with and discuss the points we have brought up here. More information next week! In the mean time feel free to comment below and add to the discussion.

Resources: 
The Bible
Old testament template
Kingdom Ethics
Rasik Ranchord’s Papers (Spokesperson on Public Issues for NLCI and Convener of Prayer at Parliament)