Lately my people have risen up like an enemy. You strip off the rich robe from those who pass by without a care, like men returning from battle.
Micah 2:8 (NIV)

There is a great scene towards the end of the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers in which the men of Easy Company become the first Allies to occupy Hitler’s private Austrian retreat known as “The Eagle’s Nest.” The soldiers promptly helped themselves to some souvenirs. Major Dick Winters confesses that he and his family had been eating with Hitler’s silverware since he returned from the war.

Pillaging has been a part of warfare throughout history. “To the victor go the spoils” is a popular proverbial phrase. The fascinating thing about it is that its origin was not about war, but politics. The first documented use of the phrase was by a New York Senator in 1828 in reference to the spoils of political power.

And, to wax cynical, there is truth to the phrase. It always amazes me how political power gets wielded to protect, empower, and pad the pockets of a few at the expense of the many. I don’t have to read history to know this. I only have to read today’s headlines.

In today’s chapter, the ancient prophet Micah is calling out this same reality in his own time. The political elites of his day used their power to take whatever they wanted from their own people in an ancient version of Eminent Domain. In some cases, leaving everyday families without inheritance and without recourse. These elites would gather around themselves false prophets, who were the social media of their day, to cover up and justify their actions. Micah offers a contrasting opinion. “What goes around comes around,” is a different proverbial phrase, and Micah warns the elites that a day is coming when God will bring disaster upon them in the form of the pillaging Assyrian army. Then these same political elites will experience what it’s like to lose everything and be left without recourse.

I sit in the quiet this morning on MLK Day here in America, which happens to also be Caucus Day here in Iowa in this election year. I find myself thinking about all that Martin Luther King Jr. said and stood for, a modern-day prophet crying out like ancient Micah against our political system that was stacked in favor of one set of citizens while oppressing another set of citizens within the same country. Tonight, in that same political system, the citizens of Iowa will choose who we trust to take up what is arguably the most powerful and elite political position in the world and kick off a months-long process to put a person in that position.

I’m no prophet, but I know my history. Even the best human political systems ever devised are riddled with corruption as political elites empower themselves, pad their pockets, and protect their own. As the Sage of Ecclesiastes observed, “There is nothing new under the sun.” It seems to me that Micah’s predicament and prophesy are as relevant today as ever.

For the record, as I do not belong to any political party, I will not be Caucusing tonight. I will, however, be praying. Come to think of it, prayer is a form of caucus. You’re welcome to join me.

If you know anyone who might be encouraged by today’s post, please share.