One Week

Missiologist Ed Stetzer has said that in the future, those who study elections will begin their analyses with the words, "Except for 2016..." It's been a strange year. This week, one party is in hot water. Next week, the other party is. Neither candidate for president is well-liked; in fact, some say these are the most disliked and untrusted presidential candidates ever. So why are we voting for them? Nevertheless, whatever our personal feelings about the big event that will take place a week from today, I do believe it is our civic responsibility to get out and vote. While we are ultimately citizens of another kingdom, we do have responsibility here. When we pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," it doesn't "let us off the hook." That prayer is not about us sitting back, waiting for God to do it. He calls us to do our part, to work alongside him toward a day when this earth reflects his kingdom. As we wait for his kingdom to come, we work in this kingdom here. How should Christians respond in this crazy election season? 1. Vote. I cannot stress this enough. Last presidential election, by many counts, less than half of those who are Christians voted. The last presidential several elections were decided by rather slim margins (relatively speaking). What might happen if we took our responsibility seriously? Could the Christian vote make a difference? 2. Pray. This is not an option. Paul writes to young Timothy, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior..." (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Remember, Paul was writing to Timothy when some of the worst rulers the world has ever known were on the throne of Rome. Christians were routinely being persecuted, and it was going to get worse. Paul wasn't calling Timothy and his congregation at Ephesus to only pray for "good rulers." It didn't matter whether they were good or bad. Pray for them. Pray for all who are in authority. Again—this is not an option.

 

3. Trust. On November 9, God will still be on the throne. I remember clearly in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, feeling the weight of being a local church pastor and having to stand up and preach that next Sunday. I had a few days to prepare and as I wrestled with the text, I sensed God saying to me, "Just tell them I'm still on the throne. This has not destroyed my rule." The same is true now. No matter who is elected nationally, state-wide or locally, God is still on the throne and will bring good out of any situation—even an evil one. Because that's what God does. My seminary professor, Dr. David Seamands, refers to that as having 50/20 vision. In the midst of a series of terrible events in his life, Joseph declared in Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." God will always bring good out of every situation. Romans 8:28 puts it this way: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (This does not say that all things are good. It says that God can bring good things out of all things, even if we don't see it at the time.)

 

Vote. Pray. Trust. And move forward in the hands of our loving God. No matter what happens, he is still there.