JTB and DJT – Salty Talk and Bright Lights
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.” For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. . . . His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.’” (Matthew 3:7-10, 12 NKJV)
It may be a stretch, but when reading this passage about John the Baptist (JBT), what came to mind was Donald J. Trump (DJT). Granted, their callings and underlying motivations are totally divergent but their methodology is strikingly similar.
JBT was sent by God as a forerunner of Jesus Christ, to prepare the way for His coming ministry. Even from his mother’s womb, he recognized the coming Messiah (a strong pro-life observation) and his Spirit-led ministry was marked with humility and self-deprivation. He was not a self-promoter but rather promoted the One to come after.
DJT was raised in a wealthy household and as an adult at times engaged in business practices some find objectionable, including bankruptcy declarations. In making his first foray into the political arena a run for the highest office in the land, his motto could be said to be, “Go big, or go home.” We have no indication of great spiritual motivation in this endeavor, though many would point to the worthiness of many of his accomplishments in office. A shameless self-promoter, he rarely admits publicly to any fault in himself or his actions, typical of most public figures today.
In both men, however, one can see powerful language and the disruptive nature of insults used, often to great advantage. John’s language here (and sometimes that of Jesus in His ministry, as well) was brutally confrontational. Imagine this tirade as a Tweet or an Instagram post! Willingness to disrupt the status quo can have great results but also tragically negative consequences.
The religious leaders of JTB’s day were soft, pampered elites who lorded their wealth and status over the poor and took advantage at every turn. JTB felt no compunction in calling them out, risking himself and his followers in the bargain, and was harshly critical of all corrupt authorities in his day. Though his ministry was successful, paving the way for the coming Messiah, eventually, this sharp tongue cost him his head (Mark 6:17-29).
DJT came from among the pampered elites he now condemns. He readily admits his upbringing and privilege, noting that it gives him insight into that realm that few before him have had in the position he now holds. Though it rankles the sensibilities of even many of his supporters, he is willing to trade verbal blows with the powerful, upsetting many apple carts sorely in need of being dumped and cleaned out. This has had both positive and negative results, among which is the infamous condition known colloquially as, “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
There is no great theological point to this writing except for this: God uses whatever means He chooses to guide, protect, and even chasten His people. Many an ungodly king or ruler was used to mete out His wrath on an intransigent nation, while at the same time His godly prophets called His people back to Him. We who seek His face must not lose sight of the ultimate goal – to be made in His image, regardless of what we face.
We are called to be salt and light in our society. Salt savors everything it touches, making changes wherever it goes. Light bans the darkness so long as it is held forth. Our prayers and personal lives are the most important way these can be expressed, but we can also act in this manner by exercising our right to vote.
When possible, support the candidate who seeks after God’s face in their decision-making. If there is no such person, or that person doesn’t make the cut (can’t garner enough broad support in the primaries), the policies and values supported by the candidates (not necessarily their personal lifestyle) then become most important.
In the end, regardless of whether or not our preferred candidate prevails, we are to continue to, “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” (I Peter 2:17 NKJV) Like harsh talk, democracy has both benefits and problems. We can’t let either one cause us to withhold our seasoning or cover up our lamps.
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