We’ve just had parliamentary elections in the Netherlands. With two new parties, and quite a few new leaders, the outcome was quite unpredictable but in the end, Geert Wilders and his Party for Freedom won by a comfortable margin. This outcome left many voters in the Netherlands either elated or in shock. How can a man who called the Dutch Parliament a sham, who wants to curtail religious freedom, become the Prime Minister of the country?
People have opted for change, but what change? Will Geert Wilders provide the solution to all the problems in Dutch society which his voters feel are being ignored by other parties, or will, on the contrary, these problems be exacerbated by his policies and populist and sometimes divisive rhetoric?
The outcome of recent elections in the Netherlands is not unique. Several countries in Europe are on a similar trajectory.
In times where much is changing, where Christians are becoming a minority, there is much uncertainty about the future. The question then is: From where do we as Evangelicals get our hope and our strength? Where do we find the courage and motivation to continue to make a positive contribution? What does a positive contribution look like? We trust that the EEA election pack, and especially the article on Biblical glasses, will be of great help while wrestling with this question.
A friend with whom I shared my concerns, reminded me of Psalm 146. It starts with praise, instead of lament: Praise the Lord, my soul; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live! Circumstances can change. Life can be tough. But praising God is the keynote of our life. Yet, I have to admit that I often forget this, and you might too.
The EEA General Assembly 2019 already touched on this, discussing safety and security (securitas and certitudo). The Call to Action says: “Today, we are not living in more dangerous times, but we are more aware of the dangers that surround us. While peace, freedom, stability, comfort and opportunity are the norm for many, it does not necessarily feel like that”. In response, citizens almost automatically look to their government. It should solve it all and provide safety and security.
However, the psalm comes with a sobering warning (verse 3-4): Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. No government, no political leader will be able to solve all the problems of this world. Governments come, and governments go. Yes, indeed, they can have a huge influence on life, on a society, on circumstances, but they cannot guarantee safety and security.
Only God can! And therefore, the Psalm continues: Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— He remains faithful forever. (verse 5-6) As the Almighty Creator He can and in His eternal faithfulness He will help and save those who call on Him.
Does that mean we can sit back blissfully and ‘let God’s water run over God’s field’: He will solve it anyway? By no means! As Chris Wright has written: God does not have a mission for the Church, but a Church for His mission. We are called to be witnesses in word and deed to His Kingdom, which has come in Jesus Christ, and which will fully break through when Christ returns. Indeed, Good News People!
If you then read further in the Psalm, there are plenty of handles in there to remain fully and courageously socio-politically engaged even when circumstances and political constellations change. In the Netherlands, in Europe, in God’s world! This newsletter showcases in many ways how that happens through Julia and Arie, and through so many within the EEA family. Tolle Lege!
Be encouraged and inspired by the words of Psalm 146:
5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
