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Romans 13:1 “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are established by God.”

  Today is election day! We have grown up with the concept that every two years we can vote. Politics in our land can be dirty, the political ads on TV can be negative and discouraging and we can become indifferent to politics. Why does it matter, some say, nothing ever changes. That’s not completely true. Our right and privilege to vote is something that the early Christians would never understand. They did not have a say. In fact, many of them, being poor and many being slaves, did not understand rights or freedom. They lived under the heavy hand of Rome.

  Both Paul and Peter told the early disciples to be subject to the government, which for them was Rome. Later, both Paul and Peter would be executed by that government. The call wasn’t for resistance, or rebellion, but to be submissive. This is an attitude of bending your will for the will of others. It is not a sign of weakness but a sign of self control. The best example is that of Jesus. As He was being arrested, He could look Heavenward and see a host of angels. Hundreds and hundreds of angels ready to come at His calling. All He had to say was, “Come,” and the skies would have been filled with angels. Not cute little chubby figures that we see in gift stores, but mighty and powerful servants that would have delivered. When they mistreated Jesus at His trial, He could have said, “Come,” and the angels would have delivered Him. Upon the cross, all He had to say was, “Come,” and they would have rescued Him. Any moment they were ready to serve Him. But He didn’t. Jesus was obedient. Jesus was submissive.

  Citizens are to be submissive to the government. Without that spirit, chaos reigns and every one does what they think is right. Law is thrown aside and lawlessness prevails. Later in this section of Romans, Paul adds, “Render to all what is due to them, tax to whom tax is due, custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear;  honor to whom honor.” Jesus said, “render to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar.” Jesus was obedient to the law.

  Paul also tells the disciples in his letter to Timothy, “First of all, then, 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.”  Now that’s different! I’ve heard folks mad at the president. Some curse politicians. Some tell off-color jokes about them. But praying for them? That doesn’t happen often, even in church. It should. The Bible tells us to.

  So today, vote. It’s your privilege. In many countries today that is not an option.  But more than that, as you vote, say a prayer. Pray for those you vote for. Pray for those that are in office. Even after election day, pray. Prayer works. Proverbs tells us that the heart of the king is like channels of water in the hand of God. God can move and change and do things.

  We are blessed to have freedom. We are blessed to have the privilege to vote. Many in the world would love to do what you get to do today!

Roger