Faith and Politics: Pastor Earl

The Old Testament

From the creation mandate in Genesis we received a cultural mandate – to develop institutions upon the earth. In this task, we understand that our relational priorities are governed by the fact that we are all endowed with equal worth and dignity. In other words, there are no premier league people. Under God’s authority, this essential equality is the starting point for all human government. Being made in the image of God, we are called to faithfully manifest that image in our day to day work. We govern because he governs. Throughout the rest of the Bible God keeps calling people back to this task. With Joseph we see how God uses his anointed to govern in an alien land for the protection and prosperity of his people. Genesis also shows that emancipation from oppression is on God’s agenda.

In Exodus we see how Moses was a deeply political figure, and we begin to receive the laws that express God’s heart for good government.

With a strong emphasis upon personal and corporate morality, and caring for the poor, Leviticus shows us how the law is designed to cover all the dimensions of Israel’s relations with God, with one another and with the earth.

Numbers proposes a democratic process under God with the selection of representative leaders.

Deuteronomy affirms the idea of equality under the law for Kings and subjects alike.

Joshua shows the need for integrity of leadership, and a strong national identity in which morality is required as a distinctive for God’s people.

Judges shows how the Lord raises up and empowers people to lead the nation out of sin, error and judgment. It also shows the need for women to assume national leadership responsibilities.

Ruth shows how social responsibility transcends legal contract.

Samuel 1 & 2 reaffirm equality under the law.

The books of 1 & 2 Kings chart the good, the bad and the ugly of how to govern. These books show how leaders are subject to greater accountability for their actions.

The books of 1 & 2 Chronicles show the Lord’s heart for government through the reply to Solomon’s request for wisdom to govern, and they place the responsibility for national renewal with God’s people.

Ezra demonstrates the power of the Word to restore identity and direction to a people.

Nehemiah teaches how we learn about how the restoration of authority.

Esther and Mordecai were raised up to lobby the authorities to save their people.

Job teaches us about trusting a sovereign God in trials.

The Psalms cover the whole range of effects that the human condition and the righteousness of God.

Proverbs was written to instruct princes how to govern when they become kings.

Ecclesiastes talks about the wisdom needed to rule.

Song of Solomon describes our relational priorities.

Isaiah describes the coming saviour and his Kingdom – the increase of whose government there shall be no end.

Jeremiah illustrates the need to speak truth to power.

Lamentations shows how God can use one nation to punish another.

Ezekiel describes how the river from the temple heals the nations.

Daniel demonstrates that God’s people can be called to rule in alien, pagan cultures. With an implicit recognition that for engagement in politics there is a time to defy and a time to comply for the people of God. With Daniel we see how integrity is tied to identity, and how the role of the prophetic is important for governmental power. Importantly, the book shows that God’s dominion covers all kingdoms, all empires and the whole earth – and that ultimately, all kingdoms will pass into God’s own kingdom of love and righteousness.

Hosea attacks hedonism and the abuse of wealth.

Joel challenges public consciousness.

Amos exposes hypocritical rulers.

Obadiah affirms that justice cannot be escaped.

Jonah speaks of responsibility beyond the borders of our own race and ethnicity.

Micah emphasises the importance of morality, integrity and justice.

Nahum explains how freedom can bring both curses and blessings to a nation.

Habakkuk talks of God’s care for the poor.

Zephaniah binds belief with action, and demands clear identity.

Haggai re-orders our social priorities in light of God’s holiness.

Zechariah reaffirms the absolute authority of God.

 … and Malachi warns against complacency and idolatry in national life.