I’m in Washington, D.C., attending a conference, and just so happened to jog by many historic sights on Wednesday, March 13. I was struck by the magnitude of the Capitol and amazed at all the people: tourists taking pictures, the security standing guard, sirens screaming in the distance, and cultures, young and old, all taking part in laying eyes on this spectacle. And marvelous it is. Its far-reaching expanse encompasses you as you approach its east-facing promenade. One feels remote compared to its ancient Greco-Roman architecture. Daunting. Ascending. Strength.
Construction began over two centuries ago, and the U.S. Capitol has endured burning, rebuilding, and expansion. It has stood the test of time and remains a landmark of American pride and power.
However, within these formidable walls and behind these mighty pillars stands a body of elected officials enacting one of society’s most precious practices. Since around 1800, Congress has convened to write laws, and presidents have delivered their annual State of the Union addresses describing the order they created in detail. Law and Order. A striving toward a consonance of justice.
What can we learn from observing the U.S. Capitol?
At least three things:
- The end may be different from the beginning.
- Fires, expansions, and more have led to a more developed building than was initially designed.
- God uses many circumstances to shape us into the image of Christ. Our expectations are likely to be foiled but furthered. Rest in Him.
- Diverse engagement enables an enduring existence.
- Without continued support from groundskeepers, security personnel, tourists, and others, the Capitol would be like any other building, wearing down in time.
- What makes something enduring is many hands. God’s work is accomplished through various means. Rest in Him.
- Strength is not merely an external presence.
- The governmental bodies that meet within the Capitol to enact U.S. laws give purpose to the powerful picture the building portrays.
- The life of the Christian is found in the new life given by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5; 1 Cor. 5:17). God uses the most unlikely humans to turn the world upside down. Rest in Him.
Making the Gospel Connection…
- Humans, created in God’s image, have a divine sense of moral ought-ness or desire for justice. We are struck with varying degrees of repulsion when we see unfair treatment, lack of compassion, dishonest gain, and more. We long for law and order.
- However, achieving moral ought-ness depends on one’s definition of ought. In other words, without a universal value system expressed and agreed upon by humanity, we’re left to people, nations, and corporations to decide. Behind each definition of ought-ness is a compelling yet unsatisfying proposition for humanity.
- Therefore, God must speak His definition of ought-ness. He must advance His desire for justice, but it cannot come through humanity. Why? Since Genesis 3, humans have failed to advance God’s justice. Consequently, God sent His Son to be both just and the justifier for humanity. In so doing, Christ satisfied God’s perfect demands for justice and made a path for humanity to walk in God’s justice. The perfect balance of law and order.
Conclusion
The U.S. Capitol reveals a temporal power that is something to behold. Nevertheless, as noble and right as it is to pursue justice, one must never forget that standing behind all justice is God’s justice, revealed and expressed by His Son, Jesus. One day, His reign will be forever, and His justice will be known in eternal fellowship. Then and only then will one know and experience true law and order. It will be God’s law and God’s order. In the meantime, though, we pray…
“Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:9-13 (CSB)
— March 13, 2024