A GUEST POST

This is cross-posted from Politics USA.

Rev. Robert Franek is a Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with a liturgical spirituality and a deep interest in the intersections of faith, politics, policy, media, and culture. Neighborlove ethic. Often found reading while having a dark roast coffee.

Rev. Franek: On Mike Johnson “For such a time as this”

When I hear the new Speaker of the House of Representatives claim that he was chosen by God “for such a time as this,” I beg that he go back read the book of Esther and see these words in their context.

Namely, that he see Esther did not claim this for herself, but it was offered to her that she might take the risk to save her people. I also wish Rep. Johnson (R-LA) in his ascent to becoming Speaker would have some humility, as demonstrated by those truly chosen by God. From Moses to the great prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah to Mary the Mother of Jesus to the twelves disciples and the Apostle Paul, none claimed a self-righteous divine appointment to their role in God’s faithfulness to God’s people. There was surprise, supplication, wonder, before submitting to their call.

When God chooses a leader it’s often not who anyone would expect, like an old barren couple Abram and Sari, the young David, King Cyrus, Mary, or Paul… Of what significance is this young woman in Nazareth who has no status, no power, no promise of a future? Wait, Saul the great persecutor is now Paul and founding churches? God’s ways are inscrutable, puzzling, and do not conform to human understanding.

I don’t know that God is in the business of picking political leaders, other than to say that in compassionate love God has given us the freedom to choose our leaders knowing actions have consequences. However, if a leader wants to in false humility claim divine appointment, while being the embodiment of white Christian nationalism, a heresy to the church and threat to our democracy, it should be remembered that scripture warns of the dangers of false prophets many times.

If Republicans truly chose a leader “for such a time as this” it would be one who would rescue the Grand Old Party from its descent into authoritarianism and restore its desire to be a partner in governing for the people, not the lobbyists and their own power and grift.

A Speaker truly chosen “for such a time as this” would work with leaders in both parties to address the challenges of our time including: two wars, mass shootings and the gun violence epidemic, an immigration crisis, and so much more — from income inequality to healthcare and housing. Speaker Mike Johnson has shown no interest in these or addressing any issue in a way that would comport with the flourishing of life that God desires for all people and all creation.

He may believe that he has been chosen by God, but the Republican House Conference clearly anointed him for purposes contrary to God’s justice and mercy for all.

For those of us not religious, it’s good to remember that the Reverend Franek’s are out there and that the actual religion is better than its reputation.

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