Nebraska Synod ELCA

The nations have fallen into the pit they dug; in the snare they set, their own foot is caught.
The LORD is revealed in acts of justice; the wicked are trapped in the works of their own hands.

— Psalm 9:15-16 —

“Indeed, the greatest need of all is to pray for the civil authorities and the government, for it is chiefly
through them that God provides us daily bread and all the comforts of this life…It would therefore be
fitting if the coat of arms of every upright prince were emblazoned with a loaf of bread instead of a lion or a
wreath of [herbs], or if a loaf of bread were stamped on coins, in order to remind both princes and subjects
that it is through the princes’ office that we enjoy protection and peace and that without them we could

neither eat nor preserve the precious gift of bread.”
Martin Luther, The Large Catechism

Dear Nebraska Synod, beloved of God,

This month brings a number of elections throughout the state and our nation to a close. I imagine many of you, like me, are looking forward to mailboxes with no campaign flyers and televisions free of competing campaign ads. It’s important, however, for us to remember that while the campaigning may be ending this month, our work as faithful participants in this republic we call the United States of America continues.

I’ve always been fascinated by Martin Luther’s understanding of human communities and how God calls for them to function. Luther’s theology of salvation was entirely one-sided: God does the work of saving through the Holy Spirit, which has “called me through the gospel, enlightened me with its gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith.” (Small Catechism, Apostle’s Creed Article III). But the work of actually living as a saved person is, in Luther’s understanding, a matter of our responsibility. Princes and governments are reminded that they answer to God for the people they govern, as are parents and all who are entrusted with authority in the world God has made:

“[God] does not want scoundrels or tyrants in this office or authority; nor does [God] assign them this honor (that is, power and right to govern) so that they may receive homage. Instead, they should keep in mind that they owe obedience to God, and that, above all, they should earnestly and faithfully discharge the duties of their office, not only to provide for the material support of their children, servants, subjects, etc., but especially to bring them up to the praise and honor of God. Therefore do not imagine that the parental office is a matter of your pleasure and whim. It is a strict commandment and injunction of God, who holds you accountable for it.”

These were remarkable ideas in Luther’s time, when feudal lords lived with a bare minimum of accountability to anyone save those more powerful than they. These words are still meaningful in a modern democratic context where we, as voters and citizens of the republic, have a part to play in the governing of this nation. Whatever the results of the election may be, those who have been elected have a responsibility to work for justice and the benefit of all entrusted to their care. Once the votes have been cast, our role as citizens is to remind our elected leaders of their responsibilities to the governed; to see to it that this nation does not become trapped by unjust works of our own hands. Or, as abolitionist Wendell Phillips put it in 1852: “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty…” Let us play our part with courage and dignity, that in acts of justice God’s desired future may arrive and God’s holy will may be done.

In gratitude and hope,
Bishop Scott Alan Johnson

Questions to Ponder

Think about a time when you interacted with an elected official. Did you write them a letter? Attend a town hall and ask a question? Send an email? What happened? Did you ever consider that your faith and your citizenship might be working together in that moment? Do you pray for those elected to public office? Why or why not?

Prayer

O God, the light of your truth reveals the depths of every mind and heart. Purge us of malice and wickedness, and be our shield and defense against every evil, that we may bear witness to your steadfast love; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.