Cliff Notes

In the events in Genesis, it is clear that the godly patriarchs interacted with the political leaders of those early times. It was Adam's son, Cain, who built the first city ('polis' in Greek). Nimrod who was the great-grandson of Noah (and also established cities), was a leader who stood against God politically. Abraham, Joseph and Jacob interacted with the Pharaoh. Isaac and Abraham dealt with Abimelech, the kings of Gerar.  Some of these rulers benefited God's people, others were destructive. Political cultures have been around since the beginning of time.

The culture we live in today is extremely polar politically. Have you ever wondered if Jesus would have been a Republican or a Democrat?  Many Republicans today believe Christianity is best represented by Republicanism. Likewise, there are many Democrats that think they are the loving Christian party. Jesus Christ would have been neither! He was the son of God. He loved as his Father loves.  His handling of political people and issues would have been based on the Word.  Matthew (who was a tax-collector) recorded a great incident about Jesus' handling of a tax situation:

Matthew 17:24-27 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money (didrachma = 2 drachma= half shekel temple flat tax of Exodus 30:11-16)  came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented (jumped ahead of) him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute (kensos=poll tax)? of their own children, or of strangers?  Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money (strater = 4 drachma coin): that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

In our culture today, the President's children pay taxes if they work.  In Bible times, the king's children did not pay taxes. In Matthew 16:16, Peter already had acknowledged that Jesus was the son of God. He was the king's son, therefore exempt from taxes. The Hebrews were not there yet in their thinking.  Jesus handled the situation by  providing a humble (Romans 15:1) miraculous solution that would avoid scandal. Miracles often occur for the benefit of those watching. He sent Peter fishing. Peter pulled up a fish that had a coin worth 4 drachmas in it's mouth. God supplied money for the tax for both Jesus and Peter.

Politics often engages in cliff-hanging because of conflicts of interests. It seems like such a no-win situation. We  can only look to God for what we need. The job of a leader is not to promote his own ideology but to serve. Misusing scripture as a means to an end is repugnant to God. Our belief system is set in God's Word. We don't pray to our leaders for what we need, we pray for them to make wise and just decisions, free from unsavory pressures.  God is our sufficiency. So what do we do with everything that is going on today? Paul had a great solution:

1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.