Nice piece Joseph. There is a difficult tension. To the intense chiliasm of 1 Thessalonians we must add something like Jeremiah 29,
'5 Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. 8 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. 9 For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the Lord.'
All of the false prophets were telling the people that their Babylonish captivity would be over shortly. Jeremiah had the sickening job of telling them that most of them would live out their whole lives without ever seeing Jerusalem again, ever participating in the corporate worship of the Lord again. Had they had a voice in Babylonian politics, rather than being captives, I don't think that Jeremiah would have been against them being politically active. No doubt, 'seeking the peace' of Babylon would involve supporting, vocally and openly, leaders who would 'exalt the nation' through righteousness.
I really don't see any hope for us as a people until the Lord intervenes, whether terminally or in a more intermediate way. And I hope that it is soon. But a lot of Christians are legitimately 'seeking the peace' of America through politics and related efforts and I don't have any criticism for them. I might questions their facts but not their motives or their hearts.
A lot of similar thoughts fermenting for me lately. A Theology of government is up next in a series I'm writing on the overcoming Church, and you're hitting some strokes that serve as confirmation for me. I might reference this piece in it, if that's okay! Good stuff, Joseph.
This is so true, and timely. God bless.
It's ind of you to read :)
Nice piece Joseph. There is a difficult tension. To the intense chiliasm of 1 Thessalonians we must add something like Jeremiah 29,
'5 Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace. 8 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. 9 For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the Lord.'
All of the false prophets were telling the people that their Babylonish captivity would be over shortly. Jeremiah had the sickening job of telling them that most of them would live out their whole lives without ever seeing Jerusalem again, ever participating in the corporate worship of the Lord again. Had they had a voice in Babylonian politics, rather than being captives, I don't think that Jeremiah would have been against them being politically active. No doubt, 'seeking the peace' of Babylon would involve supporting, vocally and openly, leaders who would 'exalt the nation' through righteousness.
I really don't see any hope for us as a people until the Lord intervenes, whether terminally or in a more intermediate way. And I hope that it is soon. But a lot of Christians are legitimately 'seeking the peace' of America through politics and related efforts and I don't have any criticism for them. I might questions their facts but not their motives or their hearts.
100% with you. I usually quote Jer 29 after saying what I do about the Lord's Prayer. Glad you brought this to the forefront.
Yes!
🙏
A lot of similar thoughts fermenting for me lately. A Theology of government is up next in a series I'm writing on the overcoming Church, and you're hitting some strokes that serve as confirmation for me. I might reference this piece in it, if that's okay! Good stuff, Joseph.
Quote away 😊✊. I’m here to serve. And I love the metaphor of fermenting thoughts. 🤝🤝
Thank you for this reminder to take the long view, the God view. All else will fade away. Appreciate your witness, always.
I would really like to hang out again. I was texting Danny a couple days ago and reminded how sweet fellowship is with you guys ☺️
Speakers used circumlocutions... Just like Donald Trump.