Jump Start # 1721

1 Timothy 2:1-2 “First of all, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”

  Today is election day in America. It’s a big one this year, Presidential. The commercials on TV have been non-stop political ads. Our mailboxes have been stuffed with cards about who to vote for. Sadly, after today, we won’t hear from most of these folks again until the next election.

Voting, especially in a democracy, is a uniquely American concept. History, particularly, Biblical history, never knew the concept of voting for a political ruler. The Pharaohs, kings of Assyria, Babylon, even of Israel and Judah and the Roman Caesars were chosen based upon family. The common person had little say. The history of these rulers is immersed in rival plots, assassinations and exiles. The “cup bearer,” that we read about, such as Nehemiah, was more than a butler to the ruler. He was a food tester. The king didn’t trust his cooking staff. In an event that they tried to poison him, the cupbearer would be the one who died. Biblical history tells of family members who killed off their own siblings to keep the throne.

Here, we get to vote. This opens up the concept for the Christian to consider who do I vote for. It must be more than my favorite party. The Christian looks at principles. He looks at the moral stance. He must consider which candidate will be best for the kingdom. It is easy to say, “Neither one,” and thus stay home. But to not vote is to give up a right that so few have ever had in this world. It’s easy to think, my vote won’t matter. But it does. It’s one of many that can make a difference.

The Bible does teach about the Christian’s responsibility and the government. Jesus told a questioning crowd,  that they were to render unto Caesar the things that belong to Caesar. There are things that belong to Caesar. Taxes are one of them. We also owe our obedience and our submission. Romans and 1 Peter teach this. The right for a people to be governed and the right for that government to tax and punish citizens is established by God. The Lord has all authority. He gave some of that authority to the government. In Romans, the government is referred to as God’s minister. That’s a strange expression for us. We tend to think of the minister as the preacher. The word minister means servant. The government acts as God’s servant.

Our verse today reminds us that we are to pray for those in authority. I don’t hear that much these days. Maybe we’ve given up. Maybe we think that not even God can help these people. But I doubt that our government is as corrupt, wicked and ungodly as early Rome was. The execution of Christians became common. God didn’t immediately stop that. He encouraged His people to be faithful. Revelation and 2 Peter are written about that.

Men in the past have held views that the Christian should have nothing to do with the government. Some have looked down upon the Christian and voting even. I’d rather have more of God’s people in public service. Maybe things could shape up better if meetings began with prayer and if an open Bible sat upon the governor’s or President’s desk. God’s people can make a difference.

Who should I vote for? Some would just want to be told. It’s not that easy and we can’t do that is this format. It’s like the question, “How much should I give?” Certainly, someone can just tell you, but that hasn’t helped you or taught you a thing. You give based upon your faith. The greater your faith, the more you tend to give. You vote the same way. You vote based upon your faith. The greater your faith the more you consider the implications of laws, judges, rights and God. When someone asks, “Do you vote Republican or Democrat?” My answer is, “I vote Christian.” I vote according to my faith.

It may seem like my one little vote won’t do much today. But given the chance to vote, don’t you think God will consider whether or not I did, and what was the basis or the motive of my choice. Is it selfish? Is it political? Is it spiritual?

But one thing we know and we need to be reminded of often, God is upon the throne. He told Daniel that He removes kings and establishes kings (Dan 2:21). Through all those Pharaohs God was upon the throne. He heard the cries of His people. Through the Babylonians, the Caesars God remains upon the throne. And after tonight, whether it is Hillary or Donald, God remains upon the throne. His will cannot be overthrown. His kingdom will endure forever. We must, as the apostles told the city officials of Rome, obey God rather than man. And we will.

The greatest change and hope for our country is not in who is elected but rather, in Jesus Christ. The more Christ lives in others, the greater things will be. Imagine if everyone, everywhere was a Christian. No ISIS. No Russian threats. No racial tensions. No deceiving and taking advantage of others. Everyone, everywhere was a Christian. Can you imagine? We wouldn’t have to sign our life away to buy a house. A handshake would do it. We wouldn’t have to have locks on doors or alarms. There would be no identity theft. Everyone, everywhere a Christian. Every person you met, a Christian. No raunchy movies. No gossip. No bullies. No lying. Everyone doing the best that they could. No drugs. No crime. No hatred. Will that ever happen? Not down here. But that is what Heaven will be like.

Our greatest need is not the conservative agenda. It’s not the liberal platform. It’s Jesus. We need Jesus. It starts in our own hearts and in our own homes.

O’ to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer…this is my constant longing and prayer.

Roger