The Choice is Yours

In a few days’ time citizens of the UK have to make an important decision. Some will have made up their minds a long time ago, but probably many more will still be uncertain, and probably confused. Around 3,500 years ago a similar situation confronted the People of Israel.  Many years before, under the leadership of Joshua, they had entered the Promised Land.  Now, as Joshua is coming towards the end of his life he asks the nation to make a choice as to what kind of people they wanted to be.

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:13)

While this was essentially an issue of faith, it would also determine the political nature of the nation. On 23^rd June 2016 a political decision has to be made but, I suggest, Christians need to reflect on how this relates to the kingdom of God.  But care is needed to avoid misunderstanding.

We should be careful about applying issues that related to the nation of Israel to those that affect us in the UK. Only under the old covenant do we see God dealing in the affairs if a nation.  Nowhere in the teaching of Jesus or the apostles do I see any emphasis on nationalism.  In Christ all are made one, whether Jew or Gentile.  There is a new order that transcends national interest.

We should be careful about applying apocalyptic passages of the Bible to contemporary political life.  Throughout history various people have been quick to identify the times in which they were living with prophetic passages of scripture, only to be proved wrong.  Such a practice does not characterise either the life of Jesus or the teaching of the apostles.  It will distract us from the heart of the gospel and who God has called us to be if we are not careful.

The Bible does teach that whatever the political context, we are called to live by the principles of the kingdom of God.  These should express God’s love for all peoples, generosity of spirit, sacrificial love, and preferring others at the expense of self-interest.  Of course, it is wonderful if we live under a political system that also expresses these values.  But a great deal of the rhetoric of recent weeks has been more about what is going to be best for us and our interest.

I deeply regret the deliberate publication of distorted and inaccurate information.  I regret the fact that independent advice has been called rubbish.  I regret the use of slogans such as “being governed by faceless bureaucrats”, which is so far from true.  I regret that both sides have tended to present arguments based on fear, or hold out promises that they have no authority or power to deliver.

I would have liked to have heard more about how our relative wealth as a country can help poorer nations, and better respond to the misery of the millions fleeing from warfare, oppression and poverty.  Arguments about keeping the money in our pockets and pulling up the drawbridge fail to impress me.

If we learn nothing else from the events of 2008 it is that the actions of a few self-interested people have a deep impact across the world.  It is these that led to the global financial crisis and such austerity as we and our neighbours might have experienced (though many classed as poor in the UK live extravagant and wasteful lives).  So this week our decisions will have an impact on others.  Doing nothing is not an option, as it gives power to others keen to promote their particular cause or advance their political careers.

Whatever the outcome, we will continue to live in an imperfect world.  But we can make some difference through what we say and do, by how we live, and by how we vote.

The issue that faced the Israelites was not a political one, but about what faith and philosophy would underpin their politics and economics.  Choosing to worship idols was about self-interest; choosing to serve the Lord was about becoming a blessing to others, for that has always been God’s agenda for his people.

The choice is yours.

Items for Praise and Prayer

Meanwhile, the daily routine of ministry and service continues.

Give thanks for a recent encouraging meeting of the Mission Support Group, planning and undertaking activities to support some 30 churches in the East Midlands.

Give thanks for the overwhelming support given to Doreen and me from so many friends during the past few weeks as she underwent surgery for breast cancer. I am pleased to say that she continues to make progress and only requires a daily tablet.  The breast care nurses continue to give support when needed.

This week’s main point for prayer is the Webinar planned for nest Saturday 25^th June at 9.00am.  This online seminar explores ideas for outreach and mission activity through the summer months.  Please do not miss the opportunity to sit in on this occasion.  It is completely free.  You need an internet connection with sound as well as vision. Pray for Gordon Banks and me as we put the final touches to the presentation.  You do need to register in advance so that you can receive the log in information.  You can do this by clicking here. Alternatively put https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3039662942308702468  into your web browser.

Pray for the people of the UK as we vote on Thursday.

Every blessing,

Barry