Our Idols Are Showing

We are heirs to a heavenly reality. That means as much goodness and joy we experience in this lifetime and in this world, Paul tells us that "now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known" (1 Corinthians 13:12). It also means that no matter what suffering and pain we experience, these "are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18).

We are neither to put all our hope in this world. Nor are we to despair when this life falls apart. 

Today our idols were showing. It's grievous. It's shameful. It's evil. And it's not the first time. To be sure the actions and motivations at the Capit0l today do not represent an entire political party anymore than they represent an entire nation. But we would be foolish to presume this is not who we are. We all are prone to court earthly powers. We are all guilty of racist thoughts and actions. We are all silent when we should speak. We all have double standards of justice. We all put words in Jesus' mouth. And if followers of Jesus are going to have a voice of integrity in the coming years, we must repent and get to work. 

Let's be honest. What we saw today, we read about in the Bible. Earthly justice is applied differently to different people. Earthly power corrupts and gives birth to chaos. Outsourcing moral authority to earthy leaders is spiritual prostitution. We lament our own sin but we also speak truth to power and idolatry. We start with confession because no one is righteous. But in doing so we become useful instruments in the hands of our Savior; to see the realities of heaven invade the places and people of this world. 

And so we pray the words Jesus taught us … “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:9-15).