11.08.06
POST-ELECTION DAY BLUES?
Did the local and national results of the Nov. 7th election bring you depression, joy or confusion? For many Christians, the results of the past election are grounds for concern and pessimism. Many people feel that if ‘their party’ or candidate was defeated, then life will be bleak for the next 2 to 4 years. Others who found that their ‘party’ came into power once again, are elated and comforted, believing that now life in America will finally get back to the way it should have been all along.
Interestingly, our view of politics are often a reflection of our theology. Is God a Republican or a Democrat….or an Independent? Your view probably coincides with your personal political affiliation. Unless of course you realize that God is ‘none of the above’. Although one particular political platform might align more closely with Biblical principles, no political group can claim God, or Jesus, as their own.
It is clear from God’s word that He has established governments and that He is the one who puts people in office, and removes them. We just don’t always understand why. Daniel 4:17…(we) may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will, and sets over it the lowliest of men. (Remind your victorious opponent that he is described as ‘the lowliest of men’) God also works through various governmental powers, in various ways. Proverbs 21:1…The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will. You see, when we get too worked up or worried or excited about who is in office, we are disparaging the Lord’s work. Our future is not determined according to which party is in control, or who sits in the oval office. Our God works all things out according to his perfect will, and according to the apostle Paul writing in Romans 13:1-2…Let every person be subject to the governing authorites. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
That’s why we cannot bomb abortion clinics or curse the president. We understand from scripture that even if we become a communist controlled nation, that is what God desires for us at that time. This is not fatalism, it is believing and accepting what God tells us about his power and his working in our world.
What do you think about it?
charles said,
November 9, 2006 at 1:01 am
Thoughtful post. I think life would be very difficult if I believed that my fate was in the hands of the elected officials in the beltway. I thank the Lord that it is not!
Pastor Bill said,
January 12, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Thanks Charles,
fortunately God has given us insight to his involvement and control of earthly kings and rulers in the lessons He taught to King Nebuchadnezzar! We do well to remember them.
Peace