Playground Politics

For who is like me? Who can summon me? Who is the shepherd who can stand before me?

— Jeremiah 49:19 NRSV

What can an 8th century prophet say to me in this season of political instability?

A lot!

To me, our current political climate is akin to two children on the playground shouting at one another, “You're a baby!” “No, you're a baby!” Back and forth they go, trading barbs and insults while a nation gathers like schoolyard kids who hear, “Fight!” Some take sides. Some roll their eyes. Deep down most groan. What has become of our political system?! We know we can do better!

Sipping the dregs

Recently, I was in Greece. In Corinth, I took time out for a cup of Greek coffee. It was thick, hot, and good . . . until I took one sip too many and slurped up the dregs at the bottom of the cup. That moment is a metaphor for this season. It seems we've reached the dregs of our political cup. In the place of that deep, rich flavor of good-hearted debate over ideas and policy and futures, we have the dregs: diatribe, discord, and deep divide.

While some declare us a nation on life support, I hear Doris Kearns Goodwin remind us we have endured worse and Peggy Noonan adding her Amen, “We’ll get through this.” No matter on what side of the political aisle one sits, we have all weathered our share of unpopular and ineffective leaders, and we have all been buoyed by those we deem as great. But these days I’m not sure those memories are enough to console me. It’s tough out there!

Where do we go for encouragement?

So where do we go for encouragement when pundits left and right declare the end of democracy and foretell the dire consequences should their opponent secure enough votes to sway an Electoral College? I suggest the prophet, Jeremiah. Jeremiah is among an unenviable cohort who had a “tough assignment” from God.

“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land.  They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 1:17-19 NIV

“Okay, God, let me get this straight? You want me to go to a nation – to nations – that are not going to listen to you and tell them their days are numbered . . . and they are going to hate me for it? Thanks a lot!”

Jeremiah is knee-deep in that assignment when, in the forty-ninth chapter, God pronounces judgments against Israel’s neighbors and their gods. It’s not pretty! On more than one occasion God said the heart of the warriors of that day would become like the heart of a woman in labor. This is God's way of saying that the big boys are going to cry out like a hurtin’ momma!

But then, standing like an island of hope, in a sea of chaos Jeremiah delivers these words, which are as much needed in our day as they were in his:

“Like a lion coming up from the thickets of Jordan against a perennial pasture, I will suddenly chase Edom away from it; And I will appoint over it whomever I choose. For who is like me? Who can summon me? Who is the shepherd who can stand before me?

— Jeremiah 49:19 NRSV

Are you weary of it all?

Ennui is French word that means “a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction.” It is an apt descriptor for the discouragement, even boredom with our political process. Jeremiah felt that. Whether observing those caught in the crosshairs of God's anger or receiving with trepidation a message of the judgment to come or living as a quiet bystander in those chaotic times, he was weary. Perhaps you are too! Perhaps political discouragement and ennui is your state of mind.

It is in these moments, as in all moments, we need the words of Jeremiah 49:19. Here, God declares his absolute sovereignty. He chases . . . He appoints (and that whomever He chooses). No one whistles for God. No one demands and He jumps. God does the bidding of no one. The word “Shepherd” is an Old Testament metaphor for a leader. God rules the shepherds – on both sides of the aisle.

I need to hear that!

Hope for Election 2024

The key to finding more than a modicum of hope in the 2024 election is not the anticipation that “our” candidate will win. It is not “Democrats winning the House” or “Republicans taking the Senate.” Yes, these matters are important, but they are not our confidence. God is! That was Jeremiah’s message. Rest in him! Hope in him . . . not the political pundits of the hour, not in the latest polls, not in a candidate, not in your perceived favorable outcome.

I'm often reminded of Daniel chapter 4, where four times God says,

“The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.

— Daniel 4: 17, 25, 32, 35

When the playground chatter is “Fight, fight, fight” and the feelings of Joy have departed, it may it not seem like it, but Jeremiah wants us to know, “God's got this!” We may not understand it. He does! We may not like it. That’s life! We may be worried. He says, “It’s in me those worries get put to rest!”

So, do your part on election day. Vote! Foster civility in your social media posts! Refuse to demonize the “other side.” New York Times columnist David Brooks said, “In a healthy society, we try to assert differences without demeaning one another’s identity.” Amen to that. But above all, don’t let your hope rest in the Electoral College; keep your sights – and confidence – in the One who appoints “whomever he chooses.” Look to Him. Pray. Rest.

God’s got this!

__________

Notes:

• “In a healthy society . . . “ from David Brooks, OpEd “The Age of Spectacle Is Upon Us,” New York Times, June 22, 2023