The election is less than two weeks away (November 5). Earlier this year, we took six weeks to study what the Bible teaches about politics in our King Jesus series. We specifically covered several important lessons during that time. Here are a few significant reminders as we approach election day.
It says in Jeremiah 29:7, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” More Christians voting biblically is a significant way we can bring good to our city, state, and country.
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” — Romans 13:1
The election season is undoubtedly upon us. And it’s evident that the outcome of the election will be challenging to many. Some will be surprised as well as disappointed. At the same time, many will be angry. On the other hand, many of your fellow Americans will be elated and overjoyed.
As one of your pastors, I want to remind you of something. Above all, no matter what side of the aisle you choose to be on, our all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God is in control. No matter who you vote for (and you should vote), only God’s selection is the one that counts. Biblically, we ultimately believe that God is the one who “removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:20-21). For this reason, our trust needs to be in Him, not in any political leader.
The Bible clearly states that all authority is established by God (Romans 13:1). Knowing this gives me much peace and confidence for the days ahead. I can surely rest in the loving and strong hands of my Savior. The Lord knows what He is doing. Therefore, I can obey and submit to the many authorities set up by our one true King.
Don’t Worry…Pray
We really shouldn’t worry, get angry, or freak out. Instead, God commands us to pray for our leaders. Pray for all those in authority. It says in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Pray and don’t fret. To put it simply, this should be our proper response, no matter what the outcome of the elections is.
I have prayed pretty consistently for our political leaders over the years. Not because I agree with their policies or their ideological leanings. On the contrary, it’s sometimes quite the opposite. I pray for them because I fear God, and He commands me to pray. When I do, it’s because I trust in God, not our government.
As you contemplate the future of your life and our country, let me specifically encourage you to apply faith. And as you negotiate your emotional reaction to the upcoming election results, let me encourage you to apply faith. You can do that by trusting in our all-powerful God. He alone sets up kings. Do not fear. Instead, pray for the newly God-appointed leadership of our country.
I don’t know about you, but I need reminding often. I forget things so quickly. They go in one ear and out the other. Do you struggle with that? I think we certainly all do in our human nature. And I believe the writers of the New Testament knew that as well. Paul and Peter both wrote to tell the early Church to recall God’s truths. (2 Peter 1:12-13, Romans 15:15)
The disciples also knew they needed reminding. They spent three years physically walking with Jesus, and it’s clear they always required a lot of reminders from our Lord. They knew what Jesus had taught them; they could indeed repeat it. However, many times throughout their days, He reminded them. It’s almost like they needed a good shake to recall His teachings.
Are you a prayerful person? Most of us would say we have room to grow in prayer. One of the most encouraging aspects of believers’ lives is pouring out our hearts to God and watching as He responds. There is absolutely no better way for us to communicate our thankfulness, adoration, desires, or grievances with God than through prayer. Yet, for so many of us, it becomes an afterthought. We can also be robotic or neglect to pray altogether.
The right response is to pray about everything. Perhaps you feel like you’re in an uphill battle. Are you distraught, downtrodden, sick, bankrupt, or confused? Oftentimes, life can be utterly brutal. And yet, in the same life, we can also experience the downhill thrill of blessings. Being in love, landing the perfect job, receiving gifts, learning new skills, having children, going on vacation, hearing, tasting, and so on.
In all our ups and downs, the Apostle Paul encourages us to assume the position of prayer.
“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” — Luke 12:48
Recently, I taught a message from Romans 3:1-8. Those verses are clear. God entrusts us with His Word. In fact, as disciples, we must unapologetically share the Good News of the Gospel of Grace to a lost world.
If we want to see lives changed, we need to take personal responsibility for this charge. But, if you are like me, we can often feel like Moses when he complained, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” — Exodus 4:13 (NIV84)
Recently, I spoke about prayer at our monthly meeting for The Rock Men. Preparing for it reminded me how important prayer truly is. I was challenged by this question, “What is one thing I can set in place to pray more?”
Prayer really is a lifeline for Christians. Martin Luther said, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” It is such an essential and powerful part of our lives. Sadly, it can too easily be put on the back burner in the craziness of life. Simply put, we live in the most distracting time in the history of the world. We have enough content in our phones to fill multiple lifetimes. So, how do we pray more? How do we implement that “one thing”?
Please read this letter from Governor Gary Hebert of Utah. He is requesting that we continue to pray for our state and our country and perform an act of service for someone in need. We are thankful that our Governor requesting that we pray .
“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.” — John 12:27
These were Jesus’ words before He was betrayed and crucified. If anyone knows about suffering, it’s Jesus. His suffering was foretold all the way back to the book of Genesis. Isaiah 53 calls Him the “Man of Sorrows”.
Most of us would say we have room to grow in the area of prayer. Ask any Christian (who has a great relationship with God) if they pray much. I guarantee you they’ll tell you that they do. That’s because there’s no other way for us to communicate with God except through prayer. Yet, for some reason, so many of us fall terribly short in our prayer lives.
