This week's VOICE of Washington Street

Mon 11/12/2012 11:44:12.40


This week's bulletin is now available for viewing at www.wscoc.net/voice.cfm.



God bless,

Jim Black

How should a Christian respond to last week's election?

 

All over the country last Tuesday folks were gathered around their television sets, some were at ball games with radio earbuds and others were at election parties listening as the results started coming in.  As the night progressed some were elated.  Others were disappointed.  I was left to wonder… “Just how should a faith-minded Christian view this election and elections in general?” 

Well, I was reminded that this world is ultimately not my home and that while I care deeply about the events and the happenings of the world around me, my actual citizenship is in heaven.  I love my country and am appreciative of those who have sacrificed life and limb for it, but ultimately my home is in heaven.  That gives me a great deal of peace and comfort in the face of all current events. 

I was also reminded that regardless of who our nation selected to be our leader or which party is left in charge, whether the elephant or the donkey, my hopes ultimately rest with the lamb.  As a citizen of heaven, my Lord is Jesus and my allegiance is to him and to him alone.  Oh, there are leaders here that I prefer over other ones and I am appreciative that I was able to express that in the voting booth on Election Day, but I knew that regardless of who won… Jesus was still going to be Lord and he wouldn’t be up for re-election any time soon!  He has seen countless leaders come and go… and he has remained on his throne throughout. 

And finally, I was reminded of the words of Paul to Timothy as he told his young friend to pray for his leaders.
1 Tim 2:1-5
2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. NIV  

Imagine hearing those words and knowing that the “kings and all those in authority” that Paul had in mind included Caesar, who thought himself to be a god, and the officials of an oppressive empire which certainly didn’t acknowledge God as sovereign.  Regardless of who they are or what we think of them, Christians are to pray for our leaders.  On this, we must surely agree! 

                                                                                                                                                            -Jim