Pastors, I obviously can’t tell you what to say on any given Sunday. And I think the cries of “If your church doesn’t mention X this Sunday, walk out!” are overblown.
But, for Christ’s sake, preach like you would have wanted German pastors to have preached in 1930s and 1940s, when the Gestapo was terrorizing and disappearing Jews.
You cannot and should not chase every news story in the pulpit. But have you spoken of God’s heart for the poor and powerless, especially immigrants!, recently? Have you clarified how God’s power, freedom, and justice are oh so different from what’s on display these days? How the way of the Lamb is different from the way of the Dragon? How the Kingdom of God runs counter to racism and nationalism?
Shame, shame on those pastors who have capitulated to Christian nationalism and preach MAGA sermons each week! But also shame on those pastors who “both-sides” their way into lukewarm platitudes when what’s called for is gospel clarity. Even if that clarity sounds, yes, “political.”
COURAGE! Like my namesake, I tell you: “Be strong and courageous!” And “Choose you this day whom you will serve!” Speak up for those who are being dragged away and discarded. Like God Himself, defend the widow, orphan, and immigrant!
For all followers of Jesus Christ who have ever wondered what they would have done if they had found themselves in 1930s Germany, this is our hour. May our shepherds and teachers not fail us.