Pastors obligated to speak on behalf of brothers, sisters
JOE MILLER JR.
Jeremiah 23:1-6

Joe Miller Jr. is pastor of First United Methodist Church in Newton.

There are two unwritten rules regarding polite conversation. Rule 1: Do not bring up anything about politics or religion; either topic will result in an argument. Rule 2: If you do break rule number 1, do not mix the two topics.

In most of the 20th century in America, the church was reluctant to meddle in the political arena. Preachers sermonize on a number of subjects, but the subject of politics is usually avoided. Part of this avoidance is due to law; for example, a preacher cannot endorse a particular candidate from the pulpit.

Our American ancestors founded a country based on freedom of religion by separating political rule from religion. No form of government in this country can prohibit a person from worshipping God as he or she chooses.

Jeremiah would find this separation of church and state astonishing. In chapters 21 and 22 he calls the various kings of Judah to task in no uncertain words. The IRS would surely revoke Jeremiah's tax exempt status if such a thing existed in those days.

In today's text, the Lord promises to remove all of the shepherds (kings) and replace them with shepherds that will rule justly according to the dictates of the Lord. To determine what the kings have done wrongly requires reading a significant portion of Jeremiah. In a nutshell, the people of Judah have turned to worship false gods, practiced sexual immorality, been caught up in international political intrigue, and socioeconomic injustice prevailed throughout the land.

God holds the king accountable as the shepherd who should provide safety, security, justice, and righteousness. The very word "shepherd" implies a servile relationship for the king. The king is accountable for the well being of the people just as the shepherd is accountable for the well being of the sheep.

According to the Bible, the church has an important role in defending people from government when necessary. Through the ages the church has provided sanctuary to political dissidents; supported the formation of unions to protect workers; taken up the cause of civil rights for oppressed minorities; provided advocacy for abused persons; argued for child labor laws; fought for the elimination of apartheid in South Africa; and opposed the use of torture on prisoners.

The church was called into being by Christ that we might be of assistance in bringing about God's Kingdom on earth. "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done…" When it comes to moral values, the church has the obligation to speak up for our brothers and sisters. Jeremiah did. Email me with your comments at newtonumc@ valornet.com.