Beyond Politics
A commentary by
Robin Webber
United Church of God pastor, Loma Linda and San Diego, California
Every four years America's political temperature reaches a boiling
point as partisan politics fan the flames of "party-spirit." This
national spectacle has a global audience because whoever becomes President
of the United States also becomes the single most powerful human being
in the world for the next four years.
The stakes are high not only for America but for all of humanity. Unfortunately,
today's partisan feelings seemingly run even higher as American
society basically splits right down the middle as to the future direction
this oldest of all modern day republics should take.
Was there ever a time of national consensus on who should lead the nation,
a time when almost all the people were united behind one man to lead
them?
Yes there was! But we have to go back over 200 years. It was then that
such a man existed.
His historical shadow still casts a giant silhouette from coast to coast
across this republic. It is his name that dots the capital of his country.
It is his monument that will forever tower above all others in a city
designed to showcase monuments. His name alone, of all American presidents,
was claimed by one of the 50 states.
What induced revolutionary Americans to even consider having a Chief
Executive immediately after they had overthrown the rule of a monarch?
Amazingly, it was this one individual's character, not his party
affiliation, that sculpted the job description of an executive office
that had never been dreamed of before. The office did not shape him.
His lifetime values helped shape the job description of what has become
the most important job in the world.
The man's name was George Washington.
Perhaps Leroy Brownlow sums it up best in his journal titled Today
is Mine in his entry of February 22nd "Worthy to Rule." Brownlow
writes, "When a man treasures the rights of men—as Washington
did; and prefers principle to profit—as Washington preferred;
and believes that man was not designed by the All–wise Creator
to live for himself alone—as Washington believed; and is courageous
enough to stand up to opposition—as Washington stood; and towers
above trickery and partisanship—as Washington towered; and refused
to be a king—as Washington refused; and trusts in the All-wise
Disposer of events—as Washington trusted; and sees heroics in
ragged men with a cause—as Washington saw—that man is truly
worthy of rulership and a place in the hearts of his countrymen."
Because of this and more, Washington was elected the first executive
officer of the grandest political experiment yet to occur in the course
of human history. But even so, when all is said and done, Washington
was only a man. Like all men he had his faults and weaknesses, and like
all men his time has come and gone.
Yet, how we could use such a man today, a man with his humanity, to
lead us wisely and courageously in addressing the vexing problems of
this troubled global village called earth.
However, there is good news! News beyond politics! News beyond the exploits
of a human hero!
Notice what the Bible tells us about the coming of Jesus Christ as the
King of kings.
"There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch
shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight is in
the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes,
nor decide by the hearing of His ears; but with righteousness He shall
judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth ...
Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt
of His waist" (Isaiah 11:1-5).
This is beyond man. This is beyond politics.
But it is not beyond your ability to learn more, appreciate more and
become a part of the greatest campaign in human history—spreading
the good news of Jesus Christ and His coming Kingdom.
We all long for a sure hope that won't evaporate before our eyes, and
the promise that Jesus Christ will return to become our supreme Leader
is something we can rely on beyond the politics of "this present
evil age" (Galatians 1:4).
 Would
you like to know where and how to start? Request our free booklet Jesus
Christ: The Real Story. Or download it on-line, right off this
Web page under our literature section at www.gnmagazine.org/booklets/JC.
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