LEAVE IT TO CLEAVER: Politics

      I see it on television, read it in the print media and find among my friend’s social media — politics, politics, politics.

      “Did you hear what he said?”

      “Did you hear what she is going to do?”

      “Those people who are going to vote for him/her are simply idiots.”

      “My politician will change our country so much for the better you will not be able to recognize its grandeur.”

      Our country is awash in political fervor and blather, and it seems it will continue for the next few days. If I believed what I have seen and heard from the promises of all the politicians, I would never have to work another day in my life. I would have a chicken in every pot I own. Success and prosperity would naturally flow to my bank account.

      This politician is full of promises to many people. That politician has an aura of greatness about him or her that we need — no, rather than need, we must have and have now!

      The familiar phrase is spoken again and again by each politician — “My opponent is a scoundrel.” I have heard from childhood that if the politician’s lips are moving, he or she is probably not quite at the truth level. I understand fact-checking, but there is a limit to what can be done with so many words in so short a time span.

      My sense of unrest about current politics has just about gotten me down. The most important message for today’s political atmosphere is not from the politicians. It is from the Lord Himself. I was driven this morning to read and reread Psalm 2. Below are portions of that Psalm for our instruction and as a place to stand firmly as Christians in this day of politics:

         “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and his Anointed One: “Let’s tear off their chains and throw their ropes off of us.” The one enthronedin heaven laughs; the Lord ridicules them… So now, kings, be wise; receive instruction, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with reverential awe and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:1-4, 10-11 CSB).