I don't know about you, but I'm ready for this Presidential election to be over with. I know that elections are important for our country and that voting is a very important civic duity (you need to vote), but I tire of the arguing, accusations and assumptions that 'my' candidate has all the sanswers. The truth is, none of the candidates have the answers for America, or the world, for that matter. We always must keep in mind that Jesus is the only answer for human beings, not governments.
Obviously, I have a personal preference for who I want to be the next president, as I'm sure you have your preference as well. I just temper myself with the knowledge that even if my preference is not sworn in come January, that God is still in charge and the person in 'office' is of His choosing. Paul wrote in Romans 13:1, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authortites that exist have been established by God." I find great comfort in this verse, especially if my candidate does not win. No matter what, God wins, and that is good enough. Remember, Solomon wrote in Proverbs 21:30, "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed againt the Lord."
Jesus said something interesting in Mark 8:15. He had just fed about 4,000 people with a few loaves of bread and a few fish. The Pharisees, most likely put off by this display of miraculous power, questioned Jesus about His authority. They, after just seeing this miracle, asked Him for a 'sign' (I guess turning a 'happy meal' into a feast wasn't enough). Jesus flatly refused their request. Later, He warned His disciples, saying, "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." The disciples were confused about the word yeast, which Jesus explained as their 'teaching'.
It's not unusual for people to say, 'I don't want to talk about religion or politicis'. Not a bad idea. Interestingly enough though, these are the two issues Jesus mentioned in Mark 8:15 - Pharisee's (religion) and Herod (politics). We need to be careful not to put our trust or hope in either form of authority, Our trust and hope must be in, and only in, the Lord. In Isaiah 2:22, we are told to, 'Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?'
Respect authority, yes. Trust them, no. Organized religion and disorganized D.C. hold no answers for our lives.
However, we must get out and vote. I heard a statistic that only 19% of born-again Christians vote. Appalling! Imagine what would happen in America if all the God fearing, Bible following Christians voted according to the Word of God and their faith in Jesus Christ. I believe America would be better off.
You will never hear me promote one politician over another. I do not think this is my right as a Pastor. I know many pastors preach or promote a candidate. I can assure you I will not. I promote Jesus Christ and His Word as the answer for our lives. His kingdom, not ours, deserves advancement. I also do not believe in promoting one denomination over another (one of the reasons we are no longer Foursquare).
What you will hear me promote is not a personality, but Biblical principles for voting. My experience from the Word of God is to promote LIFE. The unborn need my vote, the nation of Israel needs my vote and our first responders and military who protect life need my vote.
Be sure to get out and vote!
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