UPDATE 4:49 PM EDT: Judge rules Prop 8 unconstitutional.
When Alan decided a couple of years ago to pull Exodus out of public policy I was in total agreement. That whole realm fascinates me and has since I was in High School (Youth in Government Club.) We, Alan and I, gave it our best effort for about 4 years and learned plenty of lessons.
The point of today’s post isn’t to pile on and throw another round into the echo-chamber of talking points you will hear again and again and again and again … and again and again … and again …
Of course I am aware of the importance of today’s Prop 8 decision. However, what occurs to me is how much really won’t change regardless of what today’s decision will bring. So here is a short not comprehensive in no particular order 
list of what really won’t change:
- God is still on His throne looking to save the lost and love His people.
- There will be at least two more appeals: 9th Circuit, Supreme Court.
- Culture War Version #39,874 will end and #39,875 (arbitrary numbers to illustrate a point) will begin. There will always be a “next round” in public policy battles.
- God will still expect us to be honestly open with our beliefs, love and serve our gay identified neighbors and/or loved ones.
- There will still be a myriad of other sexual (and otherwise) sin He seeks to atone for and redeem/restore us to His very best.
- One side will be super happy and one side will be super angry.
- The Mainstream Media will make a lot of money off of the controversy.
- There will be those who will still love their opponent regardless.
- The proper order for the Christian regarding social change starts with contemplative prayer and potential personal repentance before the Lord. This could be tempered also with the knowledge that Jesus willingly allowed His rights to be stripped from Him in order to carry out Kingdom justice as a higher priority than personal vindication.*
- Public policy battles (temporary) are very important but don’t compare to God’s agenda of personal salvation (eternal.)
- Our society will still be transforming … God’s Kingdom will still be growing.
- God will still be steadfastly faithful and unchanging in His holiness and mercy.
- Same sex attracted people (gay identified or not) will still yearn to know a living and loving God … and they will find Him.
- Exodus will still be around to help those living with or impacted by homosexuality.
- We will still need to pray for God’s blessing and mercy.
- God is still on His throne looking to save the lost and love His people.
I will stop there. I put an * at the end of #9 because I don’t think what we are going through is anywhere near comparable to what Jesus went through in His trial. However, it is to bring to light the fact that while I think God is very concerned with society and public policy, He has clearly proven that His purposes are much more important because they transcend earthly skirmishes.
I will update this post once a decision has been made public. There won’t be any further comment (except in the comments if you want 
) … just the announced decision.
UPDATE 4:49 PM EDT: Judge rules Prop 8 unconstitutional.
About Randy Thomas
“The proper order for the Christian regarding social change starts with contemplative prayer and potential personal repentance before the Lord.”
Thank you, thank you, for saying this. Oh that we would really get it.
“The proper order for the Christian regarding social change starts with contemplative prayer and potential personal repentance before the Lord.”
Thank you, thank you, for saying this. Oh that we would really get it.
Thank you for directing me back to your post. I’m surprised that there aren’t a string of comments but about 25 recommendations at this point.
I think I know why. I was reading Psalm 73 as the psalmist laments the prosperity of the wicked. The turning point in the psalm was the perspective that came when he entered the Sanctuary of God. He said, “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;/I have made the Lord God my refuge,/That I may tell of all Your works.” (v.25)
As I write my little letters and comment on the news pieces surrounding this and other “culture war” topics, I am resorting to using my testimony alone and confining my comments to making a defense for the hope that is in me–yet with gentleness and reverence. (somewhere in Peter something)
Your thoughts here are encouraging. And, I agree with you. I especially LOVE that your first and last point are the same.
Thank you for directing me back to your post. I’m surprised that there aren’t a string of comments but about 25 recommendations at this point.
I think I know why. I was reading Psalm 73 as the psalmist laments the prosperity of the wicked. The turning point in the psalm was the perspective that came when he entered the Sanctuary of God. He said, “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;/I have made the Lord God my refuge,/That I may tell of all Your works.” (v.25)
As I write my little letters and comment on the news pieces surrounding this and other “culture war” topics, I am resorting to using my testimony alone and confining my comments to making a defense for the hope that is in me–yet with gentleness and reverence. (somewhere in Peter something)
Your thoughts here are encouraging. And, I agree with you. I especially LOVE that your first and last point are the same.
I think its brilliant news! And i really hope it all works out. If gay people want to get married, then why shouldn’t they be allowed? I have a friend in sacramento who has been living with his boyfriend for 5 years. He already sees himself as married in Gods eyes. Its only the government that refuses to recognise his relationship. Why shouldn’t he be allowed to legally and formally make his vows? (and he already has in a sense… last year they had a private ceremony with friends and family. It was amazing.)
So what if the governemnt doesnt recognise it. Heres a really good question. If the government outlawed straight marriage, what would you do? Probably the same as my friend right? Please dont tell me that you would all still celibate.
Christians always harp on about their right to free speech etc. What about my rights? It seems that most christians want a one way system where they can ride rough shod over everybody.
Stephen
I think its brilliant news! And i really hope it all works out. If gay people want to get married, then why shouldn’t they be allowed? I have a friend in sacramento who has been living with his boyfriend for 5 years. He already sees himself as married in Gods eyes. Its only the government that refuses to recognise his relationship. Why shouldn’t he be allowed to legally and formally make his vows? (and he already has in a sense… last year they had a private ceremony with friends and family. It was amazing.)
So what if the governemnt doesnt recognise it. Heres a really good question. If the government outlawed straight marriage, what would you do? Probably the same as my friend right? Please dont tell me that you would all still celibate.
Christians always harp on about their right to free speech etc. What about my rights? It seems that most christians want a one way system where they can ride rough shod over everybody.
Stephen
Yes this ruling has brought out a lot of strong feelings. The debate of whether a physical image of Groom Christ loving the Bride Church is superior to a physical image of Christ Groom loving Himself or Bride Church loving herself. The debate about whether physical realities are reflections of spiritual realities. The debate about there being so many straight divorces that anything that encourages lifelong commitment to one other person is a good thing. The debate about the good being the enemy of the best, or in theological terms, sin being sin not because it is bad but because it is only second best.
I resonate with your comments that none of any of this changes God or God’s love for each and every human created in God’s image and purchased by God’s Blood. And that God’s ministry thru the Church is Exodus’s calling, and leave God’s ministry thru the State to some other organization(s). If only more people of whatever orientations/attractions would get it that God loves us as we are but calls us to grow beyond where we are. Oh wait……that’s the debate about what needs to be grown beyond and what is just fine as is.
Yes this ruling has brought out a lot of strong feelings. The debate of whether a physical image of Groom Christ loving the Bride Church is superior to a physical image of Christ Groom loving Himself or Bride Church loving herself. The debate about whether physical realities are reflections of spiritual realities. The debate about there being so many straight divorces that anything that encourages lifelong commitment to one other person is a good thing. The debate about the good being the enemy of the best, or in theological terms, sin being sin not because it is bad but because it is only second best.
I resonate with your comments that none of any of this changes God or God’s love for each and every human created in God’s image and purchased by God’s Blood. And that God’s ministry thru the Church is Exodus’s calling, and leave God’s ministry thru the State to some other organization(s). If only more people of whatever orientations/attractions would get it that God loves us as we are but calls us to grow beyond where we are. Oh wait……that’s the debate about what needs to be grown beyond and what is just fine as is.
I’d like to know why my comment was not published? It was biblical and scripture was quoted. I also noticed someone else’s quote was taken down that was against the courts decision. You allow homosexuals to post their comments joyfully celebrating the court’s decision Randy. Since I cannot contact you any other way, I’d like you to email me with an explanation. Thank you.
First, it was in the moderation queue and I don’t work 24/7 or over the weekend.
Second, your comment is full of condemnation but not much grace (if any) at all. I don’t think it represents the full heart of God as revealed in the scriptures. Maybe you could round out your comment and try to repost it?
I’d like to know why my comment was not published? It was biblical and scripture was quoted. I also noticed someone else’s quote was taken down that was against the courts decision. You allow homosexuals to post their comments joyfully celebrating the court’s decision Randy. Since I cannot contact you any other way, I’d like you to email me with an explanation. Thank you.
First, it was in the moderation queue and I don’t work 24/7 or over the weekend.
Second, your comment is full of condemnation but not much grace (if any) at all. I don’t think it represents the full heart of God as revealed in the scriptures. Maybe you could round out your comment and try to repost it?
I emailed this back to you, because I didn’t think you were going to post it here.
Randy, what I pointed out was biblical and true. You have to realize that Christians need to get a backbone these days and stop trying to appease homosexuals, and their supporters. There were other comments on there that only showed the grace of God. There needs to be a balance. God, yes is full of mercy and grace, but He is also holy and just and we need to let others know what He says about such behavior and what the consequenses are. Our society is giving into to so much evil and Christians are not helping much buy only showing one side of God. Our Lord is a God of many facets, not just one. I also find it strange that you allow homosexuals to post there and have their comments remain there such as Stephen who was praising homosexual marriage, etc.
No, I am not going to round out my comment and repost it. If that is the case, then you should tell others who only post about God’s grace to round out there comments too.
Oh and I will add this too. I too struggle with SSA.
I emailed this back to you, because I didn’t think you were going to post it here.
Randy, what I pointed out was biblical and true. You have to realize that Christians need to get a backbone these days and stop trying to appease homosexuals, and their supporters. There were other comments on there that only showed the grace of God. There needs to be a balance. God, yes is full of mercy and grace, but He is also holy and just and we need to let others know what He says about such behavior and what the consequenses are. Our society is giving into to so much evil and Christians are not helping much buy only showing one side of God. Our Lord is a God of many facets, not just one. I also find it strange that you allow homosexuals to post there and have their comments remain there such as Stephen who was praising homosexual marriage, etc.
No, I am not going to round out my comment and repost it. If that is the case, then you should tell others who only post about God’s grace to round out there comments too.
Oh and I will add this too. I too struggle with SSA.