Election Day 2008
On this American election day, we would do well to place no confidence in deliverance by way of a government or particular candidate. What matters is not which candidate wins, but what you and I do, as Jesus Followers, on a daily basis. Candidates and governments are not God instruments in bringing about justice, peace, and reconciliation. His ekklesia wholes the message of redemption, and we are neither Republican or Democrat, but the Lords.
One of the songs that endeared Johnny Cash to my generation of 60s Hippies and 70s Jesus Freaks was “Man In Black.” It alludes to the stand we take as followers of Jesus in seeking justice, peace, and reconciliation.
Lyrics
Well, you wonder why I always dress in black,
Why you never see bright colors on my back,
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.
Well, there’s a reason for the things that I have on.
I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,
Livin’ in the hopeless, hungry side of town,
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,
But is there because he’s a victim of the times.
I wear the black for those who never read,
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,
About the road to happiness through love and charity,
Why, you’d think He’s talking straight to you and me.
Well, we’re doin’ mighty fine, I do suppose,
In our streak of lightnin’ cars and fancy clothes,
But just so we’re reminded of the ones who are held back,
Up front there ought ‘a be a Man In Black.
I wear it for the sick and lonely old,
For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold,
I wear the black in mournin’ for the lives that could have been,
Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.
And, I wear it for the thousands who have died,
Believen’ that the Lord was on their side,
I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died,
Believen’ that we all were on their side.
Well, there’s things that never will be right I know,
And things need changin’ everywhere you go,
But ’til we start to make a move to make a few things right,
You’ll never see me wear a suit of white.
Ah, I’d love to wear a rainbow every day,
And tell the world that everything’s OK,
But I’ll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,
‘Till things are brighter, I’m the Man In Black.
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November 4th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Great reminder.. Thank you!
I would say that “Candidates and governments are not God’s PRIMARY instruments in bringing about justice, peace, and reconciliation.” What do you think?
November 4th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
James, that’s for dropping in and commenting. Always welcome.
Using the term primary would implies that he uses government as a secondary means to bring about justice, peace, and reconciliation. I’m not sure that is the case. Judgment sure, but true justice, peace, and reconciliation have to come from a changed heart. Government can’t do that.
November 5th, 2008 at 8:26 am
I agree, primary is not the best word there. The bible is pretty clear that God uses people in authority to accomplish his purposes though, so I guess that’s what I was missing in your post.
Despite the above, it is a breath of fresh air to me to be encouraged in these tumultuous times to place my trust and hope in the only one who is trustworthy, the author of our story. He is weaving an exciting and mysterious plot that has me on the edge of my seat, and yet I trust him that the ending will be a beautiful eucatastrophe.