Seeking Truth in Today's Troubled World

On Tuesday, January 21^st, Bishop Mariann Budde took it upon herself during her sermon at the Washington National Cathedral with President Trump and Vice-President Vance in attendance to issue a personal plea to the president regarding certain groups of people within the United States.  There have been plenty of responses to this statement by Budde. 

Among them, Rev. Benjamin Cremer made a statement, “If your Christianity causes you to be offended by someone asking the most powerful person in the country to be merciful towards the powerless, then you profoundly misunderstood the teachings of Jesus Christ,” challenges believers to reflect on the role of mercy, truth, and the purpose of Christianity. However, Christianity is not something that individuals possess or manipulate; it is the proclamation of the eternal truth of God’s Word, offered to all people. Cremer’s use of the word ‘your’ in front of Christianity is telling.  ‘Your’ implies that your faith in Christ, indeed, your worldview may be different from others, and then if you believe that way, you are wrong.  It is a condescending and takes away from the power of God’s Word to unite people under the power of the Holy Spirit.  It’s always fascinating how mercy, which is a virtue of personal action, is so often redefined as the demand for others to wield power on your behalf. If ‘your’ Christianity starts with asking Caesar to solve moral dilemmas instead of looking to your own hands and heart, perhaps it’s not Christ you misunderstand—it’s responsibility. Jesus did not preach the gospel of delegation. Mercy begins with what you do for the powerless, not what you petition the powerful to do in your name. Any attempt to use the Gospel for personal or political agendas profoundly contradicts its purpose and invites God’s judgment. As we examine this issue, it is essential to reflect on the themes of mercy, justice, and the danger of misusing God’s truth. 

The Gospel: Universal Truth for All People 

The Gospel represents the unchanging and eternal Word of God, offering salvation through Jesus Christ to all individuals (John 3:16). It transcends personal, cultural, and political boundaries, demanding adherence to God’s righteousness over human inclinations. The Apostle Paul sternly warns against altering this divine message: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). 

Mercy and Justice in Scripture 

Scripture consistently reveals God’s compassion for the marginalized and vulnerable. However, His mercy is inseparable from His justice and truth. Believers are commanded to care for the oppressed, such as foreigners, widows, and orphans (Deuteronomy 10:18-19), while also upholding obedience to His laws. Romans 13:1-7 emphasizes the importance of respecting governing authorities and maintaining societal order, reminding believers that these structures are established by God for justice. 

In her sermon, Bishop Mariann Budde advocated for mercy toward LGBT individuals and illegal immigrants. While the Bible calls for compassion toward all people, it also upholds truths regarding sin and righteousness. LGBT individuals, experiencing confusion about their identity, are acting contrary to God’s created order (Genesis 1:27; Romans 1:26-27). Similarly, illegal immigrants have violated civil laws by entering a country unlawfully. Despite these actions being inconsistent with God’s standards, Christians are still called to extend love and care without compromising truth. 

Jesus’ Perfect Example of Mercy and Truth 

Jesus Christ exemplifies the harmonious balance of mercy and truth. He extended compassion to sinners and the marginalized while steadfastly upholding God’s standards. In John 4:1-26, Jesus engages the Samaritan woman with kindness, confronting her sin and offering salvation. Similarly, in John 8:1-11, He protects a woman caught in adultery from condemnation but instructs her to “go, and sin no more.” 

These interactions demonstrate that mercy should lead individuals toward repentance and transformation. Believers are called to love their neighbors, including those struggling with sin or societal rejection, guiding them toward the truth of the Gospel, which calls for repentance and submission to Christ (Mark 1:15). 

God’s Supreme Justice Toward Misusing the Gospel 

The Bible strongly condemns those who exploit God’s Word for personal or political gain. Jesus denounces the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces” (Matthew 23:13). These leaders misused their religious authority for self-interest, distorting God’s truth and oppressing those they were meant to serve. 

Similarly, in Ezekiel 34:1-10, God rebukes the shepherds of Israel for neglecting their flock, declaring, “I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand.” Leaders who manipulate the Gospel to advance personal or political agendas are accountable to God for leading others astray and misrepresenting His truth. James 3:1 warns, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” 

Bishop Budde’s sermon, which intertwined political advocacy with spiritual exhortation, has been criticized for potentially misusing the Gospel. Detroit pastor Lorenzo Sewell described her approach as “theological malpractice,” asserting, “There is nowhere in Scripture that we see that a leader would stand up without God’s permission and speak to someone who is in authority.” This critique underscores the importance of ensuring that religious leaders do not conflate personal or political agendas with the divine message of the Gospel.  However, Pastor Sewell’s criticism is not accurate as a cursory review of Scripture will reveal.  Leaders have indeed moved and acted outside of the will of God, often with grave consequences. 

There are multiple instances in the Bible where leaders take actions or speak without explicit permission from God, sometimes to those in authority. These actions often lead to consequences that highlight the importance of seeking God’s guidance. Below are notable examples: 

Old Testament: 

1. Moses Striking the Rock (Numbers 20:7–12) 

1. Context: God told Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water. 

2. Action: Moses, in anger, struck the rock instead of speaking to it as instructed by God. 

3. Consequence: God told Moses he would not enter the Promised Land because he acted without obedience to God’s precise instructions. 

2. Saul’s Unauthorized Sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:8–14) 

1. Context: King Saul grew impatient waiting for Samuel to offer a sacrifice before battle. 

2. Action: Saul took it upon himself to offer the burnt offering, violating God’s order. 

3. Consequence: Samuel rebuked Saul, and God rejected him as king over Israel. 

3. The Gibeonite Deception (Joshua 9:14-15) 

1. Context: The Gibeonites tricked Joshua and the Israelites into making a covenant by pretending to be from a distant land. 

2. Action: Joshua and the leaders made a treaty with them without seeking God’s counsel. 

3. Consequence: Israel was bound to honor the treaty despite the deception. 

4. Jeroboam Establishing False Worship (1 Kings 12:26–33) 

1. Context: Jeroboam, the king of Israel, feared that people returning to Jerusalem to worship would threaten his reign. 

2. Action: He set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan for worship without God’s approval. 

3. Consequence: This act led to idolatry and judgment on Israel. 

5. Uzziah Burning Incense (2 Chronicles 26:16–21) 

1. Context: King Uzziah, proud of his power, entered the temple to burn incense, a duty reserved for priests. 

2. Action: He disregarded God’s laws and acted presumptuously. 

3. Consequence: He was struck with leprosy and remained isolated for the rest of his life. 

New Testament: 

1. Peter Rebuking Jesus (Matthew 16:21–23) 

1. Context: Jesus foretold His death and resurrection. 

2. Action: Peter, without understanding God’s plan, rebuked Jesus, saying such things should not happen. 

3. Consequence: Jesus rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind me, Satan!” for his lack of spiritual discernment. 

2. The Seven Sons of Sceva (Acts 19:13–16) 

1. Context: Jewish exorcists attempted to cast out demons using the name of Jesus without being authorized or truly knowing Him. 

2. Action: They commanded demons in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preached. 

3. Consequence: The evil spirit overpowered them, leaving them wounded and humiliated. 

Acting without God’s direction often leads to negative consequences, whether it involves speaking presumptuously, making decisions, or taking unauthorized actions. Obedience to God and seeking His counsel are emphasized as critical for leaders. 

Here we shall delve a little deeper into Peter Rebuking Jesus (Matthew 16:21–23) 

Context: In this passage, Jesus begins to reveal to His disciples the full extent of His mission, which includes His suffering, death, and resurrection. For the first time, He explicitly tells them: 

“From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” (Matthew 16:21, ESV) 

This declaration confounded the disciples, who expected the Messiah to establish a political and earthly kingdom, not endure humiliation and death. 

Peter’s Action: Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, takes Jesus aside and rebukes Him, saying: 

“Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” (Matthew 16:22, ESV) 

Peter’s response is rooted in his love and loyalty to Jesus but reflects a misunderstanding of God’s plan. He assumes that a suffering Messiah is inconsistent with God’s will and intervenes presumptuously to “correct” Jesus. 

Jesus’ Response: Jesus immediately rebukes Peter, saying: 

“Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Matthew 16:23, ESV) 

This harsh response highlights several key points: 

1. Satanic Influence: While Peter’s intentions may have been good, his words aligned with Satan’s temptation to divert Jesus from His mission. (See Matthew 4:1–11, where Satan similarly tempts Jesus to avoid suffering.) 

2. Human Perspective: Jesus identifies that Peter’s mindset is focused on earthly concerns—avoiding suffering and preserving life—rather than God’s redemptive plan. 

3. Misunderstanding of Messiahship: Peter’s expectation of a triumphant, conquering Messiah blinded him to the necessity of Jesus’ sacrificial death. 

Lessons and Theological Implications: 

1. God’s Plan Often Defies Human Logic: Peter’s rebuke demonstrates how human wisdom can conflict with divine purposes. What seemed unthinkable to Peter—Jesus’ suffering and death—was, in fact, the cornerstone of salvation. 

2. The Danger of Presumption: Peter spoke without fully understanding God’s will. His actions remind believers to pause and seek God’s guidance before responding to situations, especially in matters of authority or leadership. 

3. Submission to God’s Will: Jesus’ rebuke underscores the importance of aligning with God’s plan, even when it involves difficulty or suffering. For Jesus, the cross was not a failure but a fulfillment of His mission. 

Today, pastoral leaders, preachers and followers of Christ are called to discern God’s will through prayer and Scripture, resisting the temptation to act on human instincts or worldly perspectives. 

Connection to Jesus’ Temptation in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11) 

The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness shares significant parallels with Peter’s rebuke in Matthew 16:21–23. Both instances involve efforts to deter Jesus from fulfilling His mission as the suffering Messiah. 

• Satan’s Temptation to Avoid Suffering: In the wilderness, Satan tempts Jesus by offering Him shortcuts to glory and power without enduring the cross. For example: 

• Turning stones to bread (self-sufficiency). 

• Throwing Himself from the temple to gain public acclaim. 

• Worshiping Satan in exchange for worldly authority. In essence, Satan’s temptations were attempts to convince Jesus to bypass the suffering and sacrifice required to accomplish His mission. 

• Peter’s Similar Role: When Peter rebukes Jesus and says, “This shall never happen to you,” he echoes the same temptation: to avoid the path of suffering. Jesus’ sharp response, “Get behind me, Satan!” directly links Peter’s words to the adversary’s earlier attempts to derail God’s plan. 

• Key Lesson: Both passages highlight the necessity of Jesus’ obedience to God’s will, even when it involves suffering. Jesus remains resolute in His mission, rejecting any attempt—whether from Satan or Peter—to lead Him astray. 

Connection to Peter’s Later Actions 

Peter’s misunderstanding and impulsiveness in Matthew 16 foreshadow other significant moments in his journey as a disciple and leader. 

Peter’s Denial of Jesus (Matthew 26:31–35; 69–75) 

• Parallel to Matthew 16: 

• In both passages, Peter acts out of misguided love and fear. In Matthew 16, Peter rebukes Jesus to prevent His suffering. Later, Peter denies knowing Jesus to avoid personal suffering and danger. 

• These instances reveal Peter’s struggle to fully grasp the cost of discipleship and his role in God’s plan. 

• Redemption and Grace: After the resurrection, Jesus lovingly restores Peter (John 21:15–19), commissioning him to “feed My sheep.” This shows that, despite Peter’s earlier failures, God’s grace equips him for leadership. 

Peter’s Role at the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:10–11) 

• The Action: As soldiers come to arrest Jesus, Peter impulsively draws his sword and cuts off the ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. 

• Connection to Matthew 16: 

• Once again, Peter seeks to prevent Jesus’ suffering, acting without understanding God’s plan. Jesus rebukes him, saying, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” 

• This mirrors Peter’s earlier rebuke, showing his ongoing struggle to accept the necessity of Jesus’ path to the cross. 

Peter’s Transformation at Pentecost (Acts 2) 

• The Action: After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Peter receives the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He boldly preaches the gospel to thousands, proclaiming Jesus as the crucified and risen Messiah. 

• Contrast with Matthew 16: 

• By this point, Peter has fully embraced Jesus’ mission and the necessity of His suffering and resurrection. His boldness and clarity stand in stark contrast to his earlier rebuke and denials. 

• This transformation illustrates the power of the Holy Spirit in helping believers align with God’s will. 

Key Theological Themes Across These Connections 

1. The Struggle to Understand God’s Plan: 

1. Peter’s rebuke, denial, and resistance in the garden reflect the human tendency to resist suffering and seek control. These moments remind believers that God’s ways often transcend human understanding. 

2. The Role of Temptation: 

1. Jesus’ response to both Satan and Peter underscores the importance of discerning and rejecting any influence that diverts from God’s will, even when it comes from close companions. 

3. The Power of Grace and Transformation: 

1. Peter’s eventual transformation—moving from rebuking Jesus to proclaiming His death and resurrection—shows how God’s grace redeems and equips flawed individuals for His purposes. 

The letters of 1^st and 2nd Peter provide a fascinating reflection of Peter’s personal transformation and spiritual maturity. These writings demonstrate how his experiences with Jesus—his impulsiveness, misunderstandings, failures, and eventual restoration—shaped his theology and pastoral care. 

Suffering and Submission to God’s Will (1 Peter 2:21–23) 

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth. When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” 

• Connection to Peter’s Journey: 

• Early in Peter’s discipleship (e.g., Matthew 16:21–23, John 18:10–11), he struggled to understand the necessity of Jesus’ suffering and frequently sought to avoid or resist it. 

• By the time he writes this letter, Peter fully embraces the redemptive purpose of suffering, modeling his teaching on Jesus’ example of submission. His words reflect a deep understanding of the very path he once tried to oppose. 

Humility and Leadership (1 Peter 5:1–3) 

“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings… Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” 

• Connection to Peter’s Journey: 

• Peter’s early discipleship was marked by pride and misunderstanding of leadership (e.g., Mark 10:35–37, where he and others sought positions of power in Jesus’ kingdom). 

• After his failure in denying Jesus and his subsequent restoration (John 21:15–19), Peter’s perspective on leadership shifted. He learned to lead with humility, as demonstrated in this passage where he exhorts leaders to shepherd God’s people willingly and selflessly. 

Hope in the Resurrection (1 Peter 1:3–5) 

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.” 

• Connection to Peter’s Journey: 

• The resurrection profoundly transformed Peter’s understanding of Jesus’ mission and God’s plan for humanity. After denying Jesus and witnessing His crucifixion, Peter experienced the despair of unmet expectations. However, the resurrection renewed his hope and solidified his faith. In this passage, Peter communicates the life-changing power of the resurrection—a theme central to his personal transformation and ministry. 

Returning to our topic at hand, prominent Christian leaders have expressed views on these issues that highlight the tension between upholding biblical truth and extending mercy. Franklin Graham has been vocal about his stance on LGBTQ+ matters, stating, “The LGBT agenda wants to force everyone to accept and condone their lifestyle which God’s Word defines as sin.” He emphasizes that while Christians are called to love all individuals, they must not compromise on biblical teachings regarding sin and righteousness. 

Regarding immigration, Graham has advocated for lawful processes, expressing concerns about border security. He remarked, “I think we should put a halt on immigration, because our borders are broken, until we have a proper system to vet people.” His perspective highlights the need to balance compassion for individuals with adherence to legal frameworks and societal order. 

The Offense of the Gospel 

The Gospel inherently challenges human pride and sin, calling all individuals to repentance and submission to God (Luke 13:3). For those resistant to this call, the Gospel becomes a stumbling block (1 Corinthians 1:23). Christians are tasked with embodying Christ’s love, extending mercy that reflects God’s truth. 

Showing mercy to LGBT individuals involves lovingly guiding them toward God’s design for identity and relationships, not blindly accepting them for who they think they are.  We are all called to come to Jesus ‘as we are,’ but the beauty of the Gospel and the power of God’s Love is that He will not leave us there.  Once we are justified through Christ, we begin the long, arduous journey of sanctification in Him as we read His Word, as we pray in the Spirit, we will leave behind who we thought we were and become who He wants us to be, ultimately more like Him. Advocating for compassion toward immigrants recognizes the inherent dignity of every person created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), while also respecting the rule of law. Biblical mercy seeks to restore individuals to God’s truth, addressing immediate needs and pointing toward eternal salvation. 

Conclusion 

Christianity is not simply a possession to be wielded for personal or political purposes; it is the proclamation of the Gospel—the truth of God’s Word for all people. The Bible reveals God’s supreme justice toward those who misuse His Word, warning leaders against hypocrisy, self-interest, and distortion of the Gospel. While mercy is central to Christ’s teachings, it must operate in harmony with truth and justice. Advocating for mercy toward the powerless aligns with Jesus’ teachings only when it reflects the full counsel of Scripture. Anything less not only misrepresents Christianity but also invites God’s righteous judgment. 

In Christ’s Service, 

~JH