The Politics of the Eucharist

As we come to the Lord’s table once again this week it is good to be reminded that we are coming to sit at our King’s table. This means among other things that we are all monarchists. We sit down here at this table in the kingdom of God, and Jesus is our King. We sit here together and feast upon bread and wine, the body and blood of our King. By feasting here together we are making a political statement. And it is important that we understand the politics of the Eucharist especially since we live in a nation that serves politics and democracy as gods in our various pantheons. We are Christians, and this means that we have a King who rules our land already. He is free to set up judges and presidents, and it is right and proper for Christians to live faithfully in the societies they inhabit. But our King does not have to run for re-election every four years. Our King is a Jewish man who was born, died, and rose again about 2000 years ago. We believe that this same man ascended into the heavens and has been sitting on the throne of the universe ever since. As the culture around us begins to get whipped up into their religious frenzy over the political process, you must remember that we do not serve those gods. This does not mean that we do not care about politics. The point is that we refuse to worship at their shrines and offer sacrifices to their deities. Yes, cast your votes, be god fearing citizens of the land, seek the welfare of your nation. But remember that this meal is a far more effective political tool than all the lawn signs and bumper stickers of the world. Here you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes; here, you proclaim that there is another king, one Jesus; here the Lord gives himself to you, strengthening you with his life, in order to make you faithful citizens of his kingdom. Seek his kingdom first, and all of these things shall be added to you.