East Gippsland Gospel

OK, so let’s just jump in at the deep end.

I’ve been listening to the debate in Federal Parliament (Australia) during the week. And I’ll put it up front I’m a conservative voter, always have been, … but I’m not “glued on”.

The Conservatives in this country have an appalling attitude towards the poor, the widow and orphan, and the alien. This debate amplifies their attitude. Their only plan is to allow the “free market” to fix the problem by allowing the already-wealthy to increase their wealth through tenancy to the not-so-rich.

The Left side of the debate, our current Government, want to gamble on the markets to try to raise some money to do “something”, which will no doubt include great expenditure on consultation and bureaucracy.

Then there is the Far Left, those who are often very opposed to Christian values; but this week their leader made a speech promoting the most Biblical response to this issue.

In both the Old Testament and the New Testament, God commands His people to care for the poor, widowed, orphaned and the alien, … at their own expense. (e.g. James 1:27, Leviticus 19:33-35) For the Christian, it’s not the Government’s responsibility nor the Church’s responsibility (although corporately combining resources can be beneficial [2 Corinthians 9:1-5]) it’s an individual responsibility to do whatever is possible. Hospitality in scripture, does not mean going to a café with someone for lunch, or even having them to your home for a meal. No; hospitality meant meeting someone’s needs however you can, in your home. Hospitality is a measure of spiritual maturity (1 Timothy 3:2).

Australia is not a Christian nation, but if it was (and even now?) God is giving an opportunity for this nation to show His heart for the needy.

So let’s not say that one political party has a monopoly on “righteousness”, because there is only one righteous; the Triune God of Creation. In politics even the “ungodly” far Left can better-represent His heart on occasions.

Please make sure the stones are small and the tomatoes are not over-ripe so that they can be re-used (attempted humour).