This week we witnessed something we never thought we would see, a mob attack on the congressional building. It was disgraceful. The word disgraceful needs to be explained. It means completely lacking grace. Physical violence is filled with rage, dissension, and ego instead. Mob violence is barbaric and the opposite of Christ who died by mob violence.
Of course it’s much worse when those who profess Christ are the mob. There were people waving the same Christian Flag that we have in our sanctuary. They were saying, “Jesus Christ is on our side and for our cause.” That is blasphemy. Christians should know better. Lutherans do know better. We’ve been taught about the two kingdoms. The government is not the church. The church is the only source of Grace. Christ has told us to go and make disciples through baptism and teaching. That is Christ’s cause.
Politics is not the source of grace. It is a place of law and disorder. If you put your ultimate hope in any party or leader they will draw you away from the Gospel. Many of you are saying that’s not going to happen to you. As your Pastor I’m telling you that we are seeing it happen to the church.
The way of Grace is how we operate. Forgive your political enemies. Love those who are the opposite of you. Jesus could have called down the power of angels and overtook Rome. Instead, he forgave his persecutors and refused to condemn Pontius Pilate. Rome ultimately fell because the love of Christ through His death and resurrection captured the hearts of more and more people. The fruits of Christ’s spirit filled God’s people with gentleness, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control changed a nation.
If politics is filling you with jadedness, impatience, rudeness, vengeance and outbursts then you need to step back, repent and return to Christ. We all have to ask God to examine our heart and make changes. Jesus is filled with grace for us. Stay close to him. Follow the way of grace.
