(An e-mail to a Christian friend whom I admire, in response to a patriotic/christian Fourth of July message.)
We only like checks and balances when they favor us. We only like power when we wield it. This is not a "Christian Nation", any more than it is the "New Jerusalem". The Enemy would have us believe otherwise.
I will dare to be so bold as to quote the Christian hymnist Robert Zimmerman (from his mid-sixties song "With God on Our Side") to one whom I think in all ways to be my better:
In a many dark hour
I've been thinkin' about this
That Jesus Christ
Was betrayed by a kiss
But I can't think for you
You'll have to decide
Whether Judas Iscariot
Had God on his side.
Peace and love... His Peace and His Love, as there is no other.
"How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure
ReplyDeleteThat he should give his only son, to make a wretch his treasure
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turned his face away
As wounds which mar the chosen one, bring many sons to glory
Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon his shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held him there until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ; his death and resurrection
Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart: his wounds have paid my ransom"
-STUART TOWNSEND