“The Wonder of Christmas,” a devotional book on the Birth of Christ, by Daniel Partner is filled with thought provoking reflections related to Jesus coming into the world to save us from our sins. Writing about lessons we learn from the Magi’s encounter with religious leaders in Jerusalem Partner says,” ….faith and politics do not mix well”. He quotes Jesus who said, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other” (Luke 16:13).
The political power of the day was King Herod. The religious leaders actually sided with him rather than risk losing their comfort, prestige and power by going to Bethlehem to worship Jesus. The Magi, on the other hand did pay homage to Jesus and did obey God when told in a dream not to return to Herod. The life of baby Jesus was spared because the Magi obeyed God rather than Herod.
Partner writes, “I think that certain church leaders today should learn from this lesson from Herod’s religious leaders, who chose to serve their earthly master over the heavenly Master. If they would transfer their hope from American politics to the appearing of Christ, the world would greatly benefit. And they, like Paul, could boast, “I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2Timothy 4:7-8)
The eyes of the world are upon the State of Alabama as voters go to the polls on December 12, to choose their candidate for the United States Senate. The choice is between Roy Moore a Republican and Doug Jones a Democrat. But this fight is more than a Republican vs. a Democrat. This fight is about giving up Christian principles in order to gain political power. It is a fight between human authority and Divine authority.
You can be certain that the world is watching to see what choice people who call themselves Christians will make. It begs the question, “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
In His Love,
Charles
