Brothers and sisters,
Happy Monday to all! I hope your work week has started well. Yesterday we learned that we should all live looking for the Lord to return. Jesus tells us in Luke 12 to be watchful, alert, and faithful until He returns. We are to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth until He comes again. We are to seek to influence our communities toward justice and righteousness until He returns. But we are also to remember that all the wrongs will not be corrected and all the injustices will not be righted until Jesus comes again. Paul reminded Titus that the second coming was not something for the believer to fear, but a “blessed hope.” “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Titus 2:11-13 (NIV). We can pray with the early church, “Even so, come Lord Jesus!”
Tomorrow is election day. I would in no way presume to tell you how to vote. I will encourage you to pray, educate yourself as best you can about the issues and those running, and vote your conscience. Make the best choice that you can make as you cast your ballot. I want to thank Pete for his song yesterday that reminded us that God is forever and always on His throne and in control. Remember Steven Curtis Chapman’s words whatever the election results.
But there’s only one who’s making promises that He won’t break
And He is on the throne.
He is faithful and true,
everything He says He’ll do,
And everything we go through,
He will go with us.
All the kingdoms of man
are in the palm of His hand
So I will not fear, I’ll say it loud and clear, so my own heart can hear it
God is on the throne.
I will, however, presume to tell you that God’s Word teaches us that after this election is done and even before, every believer is commanded to pray for those in authority over us. “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness,” (1 Timothy 2:1-2, NIV). Christians are to continually pray for whoever will be elected. I will also tell you that if you hold anger, hatred, and bitterness toward those you did not vote for or for those who did not support your candidates or issues, you are sinning. God commands us to love even our enemies. His word tells us that man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Our world does not need any more angry and bitter people, but Christians who love even those with whom they may disagree. Let’s be those whose lives are characterized by God’s radical love.
Love being your pastor!
Bob