Presence Weekly 1/15/2024

[The Devo] Caucusing for Jesus

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Dr. King fought hard for all Americans to have their voices heard and respected in this country.  Dr. King led Christians and everyone in America to face the reality that all lives matter in all aspects of life: whether it was school access, marketplace access, or election and political access.

So, it seems fitting that tonight, thousands of Iowans from all walks of life will brave sub-zero temperatures to gather in church basements, schools, rec centers, and libraries for over an hour to debate an important question, “Who should be our next president?” 

Over the course of the evening, people will first gather into groups by the candidates they support for the first poll. Then, individuals supporting each of the candidates will have an opportunity to address the room in hopes of shifting support to their candidate. There will be lively debate and opportunities to reaffiliate, and then, a final vote. Once that final vote is taken, precinct chairs will call the results into the state election office. From there, the national media will begin their feeding frenzy, analysis, and editorialization. At the end of the night, Iowans will have done what they do best, whittled the field of presidential contenders down. 

But what the media will likely not cover is that the presidential polling is only the first phase. After the vote, citizens of each party who wish to remain will gather into a room to discuss their party’s platform, offer suggestions, and vote on amendments that will be sent to the district and then state convention. They will also vote on delegates to the state and national convention. 

I grew up with the caucus.  No matter the weather, it always felt like part of my civic duty to show up at our caucus location well-informed and ready to listen and advocate. It was also an opportunity to see your neighbors and find out who they were supporting, and why. 

In many ways, the Iowa Caucuses are an application of the Scripture, “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”

Of course, Peter was not referring to political candidates. He was referring to Christ. But he was not only referring to Christ, he was addressing the importance of apologetics, and of posture. 

“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,  having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:13–17

We would do well to take each of these instructions seriously. 

First, as we head into election season, we must remember that the reason for the hope that is in us does not appear on a ballot. As the old hymn says, “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”  

Paul writes of Jesus startling path to pursuing office this way, 

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5–11

Second, it’s important to be ready with an answer to questions about why we believe what we do. Sure, this goes for our political candidates and ideologies. Those active in the public square must develop a well-informed and defensible understanding of platform positions as well as skills in laying out those positions in a convincing manner for others. 

However, as Christians serving and leading in the public square, we must prioritize the development of our own faith positions. What do we believe? Why do we believe it? The catechization and discipleship of the church is in extreme disrepair. How is it that we are eager to spout off our thoughts on immigration, cryptocurrency regulation, foreign policy and health care, but are unable to articulate the meaning of total depravity, the necessity of Jesus substitutionary atonement, and the beauty of the gospel. 

Third, Peter wants his readers to know that what they say is no more important than how they say it. 

“...yet do it with gentleness and respect,  having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”

I am not sure why, but many Christians seem to prioritize knowledge and victorious arguments over the fruit of the Spirit, which is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Perhaps this is why many are drawn to quick-witted debaters whose rhetorical methods are more intended to dominate and incite rather than persuade. 

Peter, who once cut the ear off someone to defend his “candidate,” is writing to people who are on the weak end of a political power differential. But, having seen Jesus risen from the dead and ascended to the right hand of God the Father Almighty, he now encourages the elect-exiles of Asia Minor to live in a posture of faithful presence: ready, willing, and able to engage in discussions on a wide variety of ideological and cultural topics, but always with an eye toward offering a foretaste of the coming kingdom. He expects them to know what is good that requires encouragement, what is broken that needs repair, what is missing that awaits creation, and what is evil that demands opposition - and to articulate it when it’s appropriate. But he expects Christ’s followers to address each of those opportunities for participating in Christ’s mission of “making all things new” with a focus on ultimately pointing to Jesus in a manner that is both warm and inviting. 

This is what is meant by caucusing for Jesus.

Application

As you watch the results tonight, consider what you would say and how you would advocate for Jesus in a school room filled with your neighbors? How would you connect your political ideology to the mission of God and the teaching of Jesus?

Which do you need to work on more: your trust in Christ over political candidates, your ability to articulate your faith clearly, or the manner in which you interact with others regarding your beliefs and faith?

Last Things...

The Faithful Presence Podcast returns for 2024 next week, followed by the next edition of the Presence journal, featuring an essay by Dr. Amy Sherman.