Following social media posts over the last couple of weeks has been interesting. With the election of Leo XIV, various pundits from the United States and Europe have been trying to claim ownership of the new pope. Those on the left have identified him as a woke social warrior. Those on the right claim that he is the high priest of the MAGA movement. Politics always tries to co-opt religion because politicians consider themselves to be semi-divine. When we become intoxicated by the politics of our time, we should read Psalm 2 on a daily basis. The heathen may rage, but Yahweh rules.
What was especially interesting to me was the attempt by many on the right to judge Bishop Robert Prevost according to the standard of Donald J. Trump as if fidelity to Republican politics is a measure of faithfulness to the gospel of Christ. No! Republican (and Democratic) politics are to be judged by the social ethics of the Jesus Christ.
I am reminded of the words of the apostle Paul: “at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). Fidelity to Christ cannot be measured by the politics of this present age.
When we superimpose our politics over the gospel, we have committed idolatry. When we embrace any form of Christian nationalism, we create for ourselves a god, or Christ, in our own image. Jesus doesn’t bow before the rulers of this age. He stands before them in silence as they falsely accuse him. He reminds them, “My kingdom is not of this age” (John 18:36). All the nations of the earth fall before God’s kingdom (Revelation 11:5).
We must be reminded that Jesus Christ is our coming king. When the Son of Man comes, he will come in great power and glory (Mark 13:26). He is not coming to be judged by any human standard, or installed as King by any human institution. He has been exalted as King of kings by God the Father. He is coming to judge the living and the dead. All of us, great and small – king, president, pope, or pawn – will be judged by God’s justice and righteousness. We will be judged by how we treated the sick, the oppressed, the hungry, and the impoverished (Matthew 25:31ff).
I have the right to lock my door to protect my family and property. However, when a stranger knocks on my door asking for help, I have the responsibility as a Christian to open the door and demonstrate hospitality (Hebrews 13:2; Luke 10:30 ff). If we truly desire that our nation reflect the ethics of God’s kingdom, then we must give serious consideration as to how we treat the aliens and strangers in our midst who are knocking on our national doors of opportunity. If the Chicago born Pope can prick our national conscience with the social holiness of Christ, then that’s a good thing. All walls must have doors.
An ancient theologian challenges all presidents, kings, and popes:
Now then, you kings, use insight; Let yourselves be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, that He not be angry and you perish on the way, for His wrath may be kindled quickly. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! (Psalm 2:10-12).
The Catholic Pope and Bishops, and Protestant leaders, can speak with one prophetic voice to challenge the politicians of this age if we maintain fidelity to the Lordship of Jesus.
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