2 Keep the king’s command because of your sacred oath. 3 Do not be terrified; go from his presence, do not delay when the matter is unpleasant, for he does whatever he pleases. 4 For the word of the king is powerful, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” 5 Whoever obeys a command will meet no harm, and the wise mind will know the time and way. 6 For every matter has its time and way, although the troubles of mortals lie heavy upon them. 7 Indeed, they do not know what is to be, for who can tell them how it will be? 8 No one has power over the wind to restrain the wind, or power over the day of death; there is no discharge from the battle, nor does wickedness deliver those who practice it. 9 All this I observed, applying my mind to all that is done under the sun, while one person exercises authority over another to the other’s hurt.
-Ecclesiastes 8:2-9
Where there are people, there will be politics. How do we as the people of faith navigate our relationship to the state and to each other. [hear sermon audio]
This week, take some time to go deeper. Use these scriptures and questions to reflect in your devotion time.
Texts to read:
Questions to ponder:
- How does your faith inform your politics?
- Do you find your politics informing your faith?
- Do you ever see us as a people trying to “restrain the wind”?
Do and share:
- Listen to 30 minutes of a quality news source different from your typical leaning. Note the feelings that come up in you.
- Find a story of faith positively impacting politics. Share it in our Facebook group or on Twitter (@dpumc).
Pastor's Notepad 