People are going to die and go to hell on November 5th, just the same as they will on November 3rd. Babies are going to be aborted on November 5th, just the same as on November 3rd. You are going to be a sinner on November 5th, desperately in need of the Savior … no different than was true on November 3rd.
What am I saying? As many implications as there are in any presidential elections; as important as it is for us to vote wisely and pray fervently; as happy or disappointed or worried as we may feel twelve evenings from now… November 4th and the election that takes place on it are just a blip on the radar screen of God’s plans for us. “He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. Scarcely have they been planted, scarcely have they been sown, scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, but He merely blows on them, and they wither, and the storm carries them away like stubble” (Isaiah 40.23-24).
So as much attention as I have given, in recent weeks, to the presidential race and the implications of it for Christians … we need to check ourselves with a final statement about elections and government:
6. Do not put your hope in the government! No matter who is elected our next president … a few things are for sure.
a. He will be a depraved sinner. He will make selfish choices, foolish choices, and (given what we have heard from the various candidates in recent weeks) he will probably even make a few deceitful choices.
b. God will still be on His throne. What of gas prices go to $10 per gallon? What if the situation in the Middle East turns into World War III? And what if it really is all the government’s fault? God will still be in control. God will still be protecting His children. And Romans 8.28 will still be true.
c. People are going to die and go to hell on November 5th, the same as any other day. We could resurrect Lincoln or bring back Washington or even make Moses the president … and the greatest problems would not be solved. People are changed by the gospel. And cultures are changed by people changed by the gospel, not by presidents and congresses.
So he who takes too much interest, or expends too much energy, or invests too much emotion in the United States government is like the child who throws his pennies into the water fountain and actually expects his wishes to be granted because of it.
Are there important issues to be decided on November 4? Absolutely. I have tried to highlight them through this medium in recent weeks. But if, in highlighting them, I have lured you into over-absorption in the election and its candidates … than I have done you a disservice. And if you have cast your emotional lot or placed your faith in a sinful candidate or party, then you’re in for great disappointment … and perhaps more than disappointment. “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 22.7).
What am I saying? As many implications as there are in any presidential elections; as important as it is for us to vote wisely and pray fervently; as happy or disappointed or worried as we may feel twelve evenings from now… November 4th and the election that takes place on it are just a blip on the radar screen of God’s plans for us. “He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. Scarcely have they been planted, scarcely have they been sown, scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, but He merely blows on them, and they wither, and the storm carries them away like stubble” (Isaiah 40.23-24).
So as much attention as I have given, in recent weeks, to the presidential race and the implications of it for Christians … we need to check ourselves with a final statement about elections and government:
6. Do not put your hope in the government! No matter who is elected our next president … a few things are for sure.
a. He will be a depraved sinner. He will make selfish choices, foolish choices, and (given what we have heard from the various candidates in recent weeks) he will probably even make a few deceitful choices.
b. God will still be on His throne. What of gas prices go to $10 per gallon? What if the situation in the Middle East turns into World War III? And what if it really is all the government’s fault? God will still be in control. God will still be protecting His children. And Romans 8.28 will still be true.
c. People are going to die and go to hell on November 5th, the same as any other day. We could resurrect Lincoln or bring back Washington or even make Moses the president … and the greatest problems would not be solved. People are changed by the gospel. And cultures are changed by people changed by the gospel, not by presidents and congresses.
So he who takes too much interest, or expends too much energy, or invests too much emotion in the United States government is like the child who throws his pennies into the water fountain and actually expects his wishes to be granted because of it.
Are there important issues to be decided on November 4? Absolutely. I have tried to highlight them through this medium in recent weeks. But if, in highlighting them, I have lured you into over-absorption in the election and its candidates … than I have done you a disservice. And if you have cast your emotional lot or placed your faith in a sinful candidate or party, then you’re in for great disappointment … and perhaps more than disappointment. “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 22.7).
2 comments:
Kurt,
Thanks- I've been stewing a lot over the election this past week (in some ways good, in some ways bad) and this gives me the focus of thinking I should have.
In Him,
Jeremiah
Amen brother Kurt! May He be magnified in all things!!
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