Readers of Revelation have often looked for keys that could unlock the meaning of current events or decode what might happen in the future. However, when we examine John’s letter to seven churches, we find direction much closer to home: As we understand the cultural context and the character of the churches John writes to, we can better understand our own spiritual health.
The second congregation John writes to is Smyrna, which is being terribly persecuted. Do we identify very closely with the trials the church of Smyrna faced? Alternatively, do its experiences seem quite foreign? I believe that we miss an important truth when taking either of these positions. If we over or under identify, we can miss a crucial point, that we are subject to the very same temptation that this church faced. Like them, we are tempted to bow the knee to Caesar. Unlike the believers in this courageous church, we too often give in, and not because we are persecuted. We often resort to bowing to political power as we seek to build the Kingdom of God. This temptation manifests itself on the right, in “Christian” Nationalism, and on the left, when politics takes on the qualities of a religion.
Some American Christians are quick to sound alarms over persecution, actual or potential. Perhaps this is a side effect of reading Revelation as a handbook on current events. The line of thought is: “Churches in Revelation were persecuted, therefore we are persecuted or will inevitably be persecuted by our government or some world power”. This perspective leads to fear and defensiveness. Looking at the church at Smyrna, we can realize that our experience is a far cry from what these Christians faced. They risked their livelihoods and even their lives if they refused to worship the emperor. If believers refused to call Caesar “Lord”, or to sprinkle incense on the fire that burned in front of the emperor’s statue, they couldn’t legally participate in working, buying, or selling and were condemned to poverty. In 155 AD, the pastor of the church at Smyrna refused to renounce Christ and was burned at the stake. Unlike the believers of Smyrna who were persecuted and refused to transfer their allegiance to Caesar, we live with great freedom. Out of fear we believe we are being faithful and appropriately proactive when we trust worldly power over Jesus. Tim Alberta describes the movement on the right, Christian Nationalism, that transfers religious allegiance from Jesus to worldly power:
The crisis of American Evangelicalism comes down to an obsession with [that] worldly identity. Instead of fixing our eyes on the unseen, “since what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal”…we have become fixated on the here and now. Instead of seeing ourselves in a metaphorical Babylon, the way Peter described first century Christians living in Rome, we have embraced our imperial citizenship. Instead of fleeing the temptation to rule all the world, like Jesus did, we have made deals with the devil. p13* [Link supplied.]
*Alberta, Tim The Kingdom, the Power, the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism. Harper Collins, 2023.
Ironically, the political left, which tends to identify less with Christianity and with religion in general, has found an identity of religious proportions in politics. Even those who do not acknowledge Jesus can fall into idolatry, which can be described as making good things ultimate and thereby destructive. In our polarized political climate, elections and issues have epic importance, so that winning and losing has become a matter of hope or doom, triumph or catastrophe. Fervent believers on the left, like those on the right, are quick to demonize those who do not agree with them and see elections as zero-sum games.
Even if Christians don’t go to the extremes of Christian Nationalism or liberal fervency, we can easily choose to trust political leaders and processes over Jesus and His ways.
Making political activity an ultimate good is very destructive, regardless of peoples’ intentions and the validity of their causes. Political activity is necessary in society and it can be conducted respectfully and constructively. We can be agents for God’s Kingdom only when Jesus takes first place in our hearts. Only kingdom means can bring God’s transforming kingdom to our hearts and to our culture.
Application
Let’s pray God would help us put Him first as we engage in our communities and in politics. Let’s walk in His ways to bring His kingdom to earth.
God desires just, peaceful, and orderly societies. Let’s remember to pray for those in authority, keeping Paul’s instructions to Timothy in mind:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:1-4
by Sherry Sommer
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