So, What Kind of Reconciliation Is That?

3 March 2010

Most preachers worth their jobs could expound from their pulpits for years to address how life should NOT be lived, just by following what goes on in Washington politics.

Only in Washington could such a beautiful biblical word like “reconciliation” be twisted into something so ugly as our slick, hypocritical politicians have made it.

“Reconciliation” in the Congress is about the majority party giving the shaft to the minority, by means of a rarely-used political maneuver, so the majority can force its will in an irregular way upon their colleagues across the aisle.

Before anyone gets lathered by thinking I sound partisan in a period of Democratic Party rule, let me note that BOTH major parties have used “reconciliation” in unseemly ways. Yesterday it was Republicans doing it. Today it’s the Democrats. Both parties of lawmakers have been this oily. This is “reconciliation” Washington style.

On the other hand, biblical reconciliation has to do with bringing people together, not driving them apart to despise one another. Think Abram and Lot. Jacob and Esau. Joseph and his eleven brothers. Peter and Paul. Paul and Barnabas. There are many examples in Scripture of one-time adversaries being reconciled.

The Bible is ALL about reconciliation. From mankind’s first sin in the Garden of Eden, God had a plan for Man to be reconciled back to him. From there, it is left to us to be reconciled to one another. “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity…” (Psalms 133:1). Whatever “reconciliation” means in Washington is nothing close to that. It’s ugly and self-centered and arrogant.

Easter is a wonderful time to think about what God did to bring reconciliation to us.
Jesus dying in agony upon a cross he didn’t deserve, so we can avoid one that we do deserve, is the most beautiful picture of reconciliation ever painted.

As we move through this amazing season of God’s grace, is there anyone with whom you need to be reconciled? How ready are you? How willing are you to do for another what God did for you?

Bill

1 Comments

  1. Tim Jesaitis · 14 March 2010

    Bill: You have hit a strong chord — man’s idea (often mine) that reconcilliation means, “I’m going to my way!”, instead of God’s hope, “You’re going to want My way.” Your blog reminds me that I should be using Lent as a time to focus on how I can be reconciled to God and His way for me. As I forgo those things I’ve chosen for Lent, Yes: I’m trying to be stronger by praying when feeling deprived; but Now: a specific prayer that I can be reconciled with my God, my Father. Thanks, Bill, for your message.

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