written by Jerry Runser

In reflecting on today's passage, I can't help but think about “politics.” There are several meanings of the word "politics," but I am referring to the first definition that came up in my Google search, which is: "social relations to gain authority or power". It isn't always power for oneself. For example, Bathsheba lobbied for David to make Solomon his successor. David complied and designated Solomon to be the next king. This derailed Adonijah's political maneuvering and takeover.

I think a lot of us view politics as something unsavory, but just as we see in today's reading it is unavoidable. Societies and organizations need some authority structure in order to function. Things work well when a "good and wise" person like Solomon is in power (at least at the beginning of his reign). This was demonstrated in his first action which was to show mercy to Adonijah. But, throughout history, and today, we see all too often that selfish, greedy and evil things are done in order to obtain, maintain or increase power. Even the best people put into a position of authority, can abuse that power. (Remember how David ended up with Bathsheba in the first place?)

In thinking about it, I realize that politics have been a fact of life since Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden. Since then, there has always been "social relations to gain authority or power.” For our part, I think there are a couple of things we need to do to have a positive influence in political environments: in our society, our work situations, even charitable organizations. Our first responsibility, is to be guided by the commandment to love one another. Whenever we are in a position of authority or can influence decisions and actions, we need to be guided by what is in the best interests of all. Our second responsibility is to do as the Bible says, to pray for those in authority. I remember the first time someone told me that I should pray for those in authority. It sounded strange because I could think of some people in authority that were (in my mind) "turkeys.” Should I pray for them, or for their removal? But in times when I was in a position of some authority, it became crystal clear to me how fallible we all are. So it does make sense to pray for those in authority—at work, in the church, in government, in our broader families and in any kind of organization. Fortunately good can come from imperfect leaders. But without prayer, God lets us live with the consequences of politics that are not guided by "love one another". A last realization from today's reading: How wonderful heaven will be, the domain of a perfect and all-loving King. No politics of any sort!

A fellow traveler,
Jerry