"The Pharisees left. And right away they started making plans with Herod's followers to kill Jesus."(Herod's followers: People who were political followers of the family of Herod the Great and his son Herod Antipas.)
I consider myself a conservative in political terms, and probably have some libertarian leanings on certain issues. I know that this will irritate some of my Republican friends but I lean a bit to the left on some other issues (very few however and state run health care is not one of them). Before my politics however I consider myself a follower of Jesus Christ. This following, even in this day and age, comes into conflict with some of the political ideals espoused by the major and minor parties/interests.
I started my Bible reading today in the Gospel of Mark. Mark is the action adventure Gospel. There is no time spent covering genealogies at the start or as John does pointing out the relationship of Jesus in the Godhead. No Mark jumps right into the action of the life and ministry of Jesus (the man). What struck me as I read is that within the first 2 chapters Jesus' good works had already begun to alienate Him from the religious establishment and by the 3rd chapter the members of the established religion were trying to trip him up, question his teaching and actions and very quickly to ponder a plan to eliminate this radical new teacher, who not only taught differently than they but did it with power and authority.
Amazingly it did not take long for the religious leaders to begin to strike hands with the political interests that ruled in that day. Why this is interesting is the political interests, these Herodians, were followers of the installed "client king" of the Romans, Herod Antipas. The Romans were an oppressive and brutal regime and not the kind of lot that you would think the priests of Abraham's children would seek out as allies. But they did as the scripture reference above tells us.
So what am I trying to say with so many words? That "religion" and "politics" have been converging on issues for a long time. The issue is that very seldom will the interests of God and politics be close enough to afford an intimate alliance. I dont think that followers of Jesus should be politically apathetic and uninvolved but I also dont think that we should be striking hands with too many of the political establishment.
Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Tea Partyers, Green Partyers, Communists, Socialists, take your pick. The motivation of these organizations may have lines that cross the Jesus followers path, but more than likely they are bending a line to get close enough to get a vote. What would that conversation between the priests and the Herodians sounded like. Like a backroom deal for votes on a bill perhaps? There had to have been some quid pro quo going on. Nobody gets involved in a plot to destroy someone unless there is something in it for them. And if they can be "bought" then, well thats just politics isnt it?
I think that an overly partisan response by Jesus followers can be or could be an indication that they/we have decided that what is best for our lives is not going to be determined by the One we follow but by the ones that are offering to trade with us for our allegiance. Like I said we cant be apathetic and we cant just allow politics/government to run amok, but before we make too loud a claim of party alignment to the offending of others or the alienating of some, we should ask ourselves this, "who's interests are more important? those of the party or those of the One leading our lives?"
Matthew left his government job to follow Jesus. The small business owners Peter, Andrew, James and John left their businesses and families to follow Jesus. When the tribute was due they found the money in the mouth of a fish. We will not draw the attention of anyone but the politicians if our lives are not led by the Holy One. Read the first 3 chapters of the Gospel of Mark to see the kind of commotion that is possible when we follow this One and do and say as he has taught us and instructed us. In those first 3 chapters Jesus picks his best players and then ordains them to go and do just what he had been doing. Its the law of multiplication. Jesus could not possibly minister to everyone that needed it (read those first 3 chapters) because there were so many people thronging Him and his disciples. So bad that they tore up one of the 12's roofs. So bad that they couldn't even eat a meal.
My politics should never overshadow my following of Jesus. Do people know how strongly I feel about the Gospel or only my position on taxes, the wars, civil liberties and the constitution. I heard it a few weeks ago and I liked it then and still do. I want, I need a Fierce Faith in Jesus Christ. A faith that drives the doubt out of anyones mind (mostly my own) about who Jesus is and what He is to me and THEN what He wants to do for them.
There I think I have said enough, particularly since the old adage is never talk about religion or politics unless you want an argument. That adage probably does not apply if the interests of politics and religion can both agreeably satisfied, right?
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