Playing the God Card

Eastertide
May 21, 2014

Scripture Reading: John 8:31-38

Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there for ever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.’ — John 8:34-38 

I have been deeply disturbed recently about the trend in campaign ads of using what I call “playing the God card.” Don’t misunderstand me I want to know about the integrity of each individual running for office. I tend to judge that by what they actually have done not by what they say.

I do have a problem with candidates’ using God as an endorsement, whether directly or indirectly.  The Pharisees in the scripture for today are “playing the God card” they are saying they do not have to pay any attention to Jesus because he is the only witness to his testimony.  Jewish law required at least two witnesses. On the other hand, the Pharisees claim to be God’s people as was promised to their ancestor Abraham and have the full tradition of their heritage to witness to what they say.  They are not considering that Jesus is also a descendant of Abraham. Jesus essentially responds saying that the Pharisees do not “own” God, God rules them. God chose Abraham and God chose Jesus to bring God’s message to the entire world. God is his second witness.

As far as American politics are concerned, I think another Abraham said it best—Abraham Lincoln:  Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.

Prayer: God, guide us to understand and live on your side as the diversity of people who call ourselves Christians live and function in civil society. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.