8 March 2009

Dear Bethel Family and Friends: (E-Mail Version)

During WW2, when asked by an officer to become part of a small invasion team, I declined. I was quickly and firmly informed my “contract with the Navy” did not allow me to choose my own war. They needed a medic and I was it. No questions, just “Yes, Sir!”

Similarly, Christians are not allowed to choose which government edicts to support. Short of having to deny the faith, we are to obey those in authority over us. Much will be unfair. Some will be abusive. A lot will be hard to swallow. That’s not the issue.

Ideally, a Christian should be the best citizen any nation could have. Antagonism against God is so deep, however, Christians are often the first target of those needing a scapegoat. It began when Nero burned Rome and undoubtedly will ever be thus.

…

Teaching from the O.T. book of Micah, Jake focused on another familiar passage. In chapter 6, verse 8, Micah sums up what God requires of us…to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly before God. Micah was particularly concerned about the oppressed. He saw a society in which the wealthy took advantage of the poor. Farmers, peasants, and small landowners were being harassed. He railed against corrupt law courts, government officials, and religious leaders.~~

Micah saw the city of Jerusalem as symbolic of all that was wrong. Today, Washington might be seen as a modern Jerusalem. Greed for power and wealth drives much that happens there. Just as Micah prayed for his people, we should do the same for our time. God’s standards do not, have not changed. The penalties remain the same.

Love…Larry Buhler