Exhortation, January 9

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The book of Kings is important because it sheds on our situation in the contemporary church, in which the church is divided into myriads and myriads of denominations and sects. Our sermon text, which describes the division of the kingdom of Israel, offers several insights into the causes and nature of Christian divisions.

First, idolatry is the root cause of division within Israel and within the church. Because Solomon worshiped idols, Yahweh tore the kingdom from him. By worshiping idols, Jeraoboam confirmed the division. Similarly, the Reformation, as I said last week, was in large part an attack on medieval idolatries. Sometimes, the idolatry that causes division is an idolatrous attachment to some pet theory or program. If idolatry is the cause of division, then the solution is clear enough: The ultimate solution is repentance, specifically repentance of our idolatry.

Second, our text shows that a division in government is not necessarily a division of the people. Though Israel and Judah set up different governmental organizations, they are still one people. They are still brothers. When Rehoboam wants to pursue Israel and force them back into the house of David, the Lord through the prophet says, �You must not go up and fight against your brothers, the sons of Israel.�ELong after this event, when the Northern kingdom had promoted Baal worship and attacked the prophets of Yahweh, Yahweh still regards them as His covenant people. And the same is true of the divided church. All who are baptized wear the name of Jesus, and we should recognize them as fellow-citizens of the church of Christ.

Many Christians, however, draw the wrong conclusions from this. If Baptists and Episcopalians and even Orthodox and Roman Catholics are brothers, then we have to accept their sins and errors. But brotherhood does not mean universal affirmation. Brothers confront. But they confront as brothers. All the baptized are fellow citizens with us, but some citizens are traitors.

posted by Peter J. Leithart on Sunday, January 09, 2005 at 08:17 AM

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