Human

“there were staying in Jerusalem…every nation under heaven…all people…young…old…men…women” (Acts 2:5, 17ff cf. Gen 11:1-9) The reversal of Babel recorded at Pentecost provides a foundation for this prophetic message.

Introduction

Praying about the election results last night between 3-4 am., I was pondering the unexpected scale of the victory of the Australian Labor Party. (A classic left of centre party in the more British tradition than American.) The most recent election, in which the leader of opposition, Peter Dutton, uniquely lost his seat, was more “presidential” in style than previously. The Lord began to give me some keys from the winner’s election night speech, based on my conviction that, “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Matt 12:35). At first glance these “keys” may seem obvious, but will prove quite profound in their ongoing implications for the Aussie Church. We are entering into that time of the year when the Church needs to recall the brute fact that disciples who had before their own eyes had seen the crucified, risen and ascended Lord (John 20:29) were waiting for the outpouring of the promise of the Father (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5; 2:33). It is generally overlooked that Mary, Peter, James John etc (Acts 1:13-14) gathered together in radical unity because they had received a clear concrete vision of the future (end-times) glory of humanity in Jesus. This foundation alone which can free my ongoing conclusions below from every from every element of idolatrous political “isms”.

Humour (https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/did-jesus-laugh-was-he-funny/)

Towards the end of the heated election campaign, several confidantes of the then Liberal opposition leader, remarked on his sense of humour. An attribute very successfully hidden behind his serious demeanour. Psalm 2:4, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” indicates that humour is a divine attribute.  In asking our home group, “Did Jesus have a sense of humour?” various responses included:  “If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matt 15:14), “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matt 19:23-24); “you brood of vipers” (Matt 12:34), were thought to be funny. Although having possessed a long history of bizarre personal humour, the speaking animals in Babe (1995) made me literally collapse with laughter, as such beasts often do, I do not have a reputation as a comedian. The ability of some popularising preachers to butter up congregations with slick jokes sickens me. However, the serious/stern face of Dutton lost him many votes. Politics and Christianity must deal with the issues of human identity which can no longer be avoided.

Identities Today

Parties to the right of centre have been losing the women’s vote progressively. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teal_independents). Add to that the disillusion of young people with traditional political systems (white men in blue suits), the growing centrality of the disabled (https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia/contents/people-with-disability/prevalence-of-disability), e.g. the National Disability Insurance Scheme, a bipartisan venture, will likely bankrupt the country. Albanese’s “Kindness is not a weakness” was slogan that resonated deeply with most open-hearted Australians (cf. Luke 1:78 and the compassions of Jesus).

Young and Old

An undeniable feature of what it means to be human in the present evil age (Gal 1:4) is the inevitability of ageing and death. The current “climate catastrophe” generated heated debate between the options of renewable energy and nuclear power. Given time delays and the unpopularity amongst youth of the latter it is unsurprising that young people have turned away from Liberalism. So many are in pain about the loss of the Aussie dream of homeownership.

Migrants/Multi-cultural/ Indigenous

Both parties attacked high migration numbers. Yet, Dutton’s reputation as a “hard man” proved costly, especially with the Chinese. Huge immigration rates have changed the complexion of what it means to be “Australian”, no longer necessarily someone of white European origin, so the future looks bleak for those right of centre. Indigenous issues must be mentioned, not least because the Voice referendum is the greatest defeat/success of the Albo/Dutton clash.  Whatever the notable failures of both parties to come up with solutions to “close the gap” between mainstream and first nations peoples, Albo’s frequent references to 65k culture was a decidedly human approach. This is a core spiritual issue, and a complex one.

The Glorified Inclusive Humanity of the Son of God

Seeing our last-days humanity taken into God in the ascension of Christ prepared the first disciples for the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost. Only this sight could swell their faith to anticipate an outpouring of limitless divine power through the glorified humanity of the Son of God. In this glorious vision, the first Church, comprised of men, women, old, young, servants, masters/mistresses were perfectly one in love. This given at Pentecost and whatever moves a political party in such a direction will, whatever else is true, will have some measure of the favour of God because it images the humanity of Jesus. https://tftorrance.org/journal/s3/participatio-2014-s3-20-Deddo-244-260.pdf

Conclusion

Most believers I know vote to the right of centre; as such they are unhappy with the recent election. If that is you, seek a greater prophetic vision of the one true human, Jesus, because politics is never the real issue.  All that the Lord has ordained through elections is a preparation for his greater glory through his Church which must include, with equal standing, young, old, men, women, professional, trades, migrants, Indigenous etc. If this seems impossible remember the famous Pauline exhortation, Become What You Are in Christ (https://www.lionelwindsor.net/bibleresources/bible/new/Paul_indicative_imperative.htm). Lest anyone think I actually believe Albo is essentially more human than Peter Dutton, we need not forget he is a living icon of fornication, choosing to delay marriage to his fiancée until after the current federal election. So meagre is his estimation of the holy covenants of God should multiply our prayers for divine mercy upon him and his Party (Zech 12:10; Rev 1:7)! Meanwhile let us heed this prophetic challenge to the Western Church today as, “a marginal minority viewed with suspicion and considered a danger to social cohesion. . we are all in the roman Empire now.” (Christopher Watkin)