Well, stayed up last night to watch the rather strange American democratic process grind out the result I have been rather dreading. I can't see that Kerry can do it. My evangelical colleagues will probably be delighted that Bush has done it - the born again believer has been blessed by his Lord. In fact, my good friend Andy said just that on the way into work this morning. I wasn't so convinced that Romans 13 should be applied in this way. On the one hand, part of me wants to rejoice that the more excessive liberal agenda has been put on ice - especially with republicans getting the Senate as well as the White House. Looks like there is going to be some major change in moral decision making - although I reckon this will lead to even more dissent and anger over in the States. But on the other hand, what does this say about Iraq? Will Bush use this as a mandate to invade Iran? Will this be seen as an approval of his disastrous environmental policy - is the Day After Tomorrow even closer to reality? On the third (?) hand, will we now get some action on Palestine? will Bush come of the fence and address some of the justice issues which I know are close to God's own heart. God shout louder - the man from Texas needs to hear you!
I taught an introductory class on Revelation yesterday and was reminded of the Czech church noticeboard following the Velvet Revolution - "The Lamb Wins" - in the end it is not about partisan politics or bashing up the other side in favour of human gain. It is about what God is about. As Revelation teaches us, the whole point of seeing the unfolding of human history in apocalyptic terms is not to focus on the chaos that is human stewardship of creation, but on the FACT that the Lamb wins and that there will be a new heaven and a new earth and that every tear shall be wiped from every eye. Mara Natha, Come, Lord Jesus.
Pete
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