A Choice

 I'm guessing most of us are perhaps a little uncertain about what the election will bring this Tuesday. And I'm also guessing many are just ready for it to be over!

A few years ago my father caused a bit of a stir when the message he posted on their Church's sign was then posted on social media. It said... "Jesus is coming - hopefully before the election". I thought the sign was funny - and so did thousands who commented online. But there were also plenty who didn't see the humor. My dad actually received some very angry phone calls and even one very angry visitor at a Church service.

Many are a 'bit on edge' regarding the coming election. And this anger and frustration is really nothing new. Aesop, the ancient Greek story teller is credited with saying, "We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office." Now even though I am aware of the very real growing election fatigue, I want to be firm but encouraging specifically regarding the believer and...

I. The election

As believers, we don't view things the same way as those who don't believe in God. God does not endorse any man or woman for public office. God expects them to come into line with Him, not the other way around. And I've mentioned this before, I don't have anyone in the race who fully and accurately 100% reflects my values, religious beliefs or political views.

That being said - I do have plenty of political opinions - and I do have some deeply held values. And of course I think I'm right - if I didn't I'd change my mind. But my opinions are irrelevant in comparison to the Truth of the Gospel message. And I do want to share that I have already voted, and I feel very confident in my vote. I'm not a moderate who believes the answer lies somewhere in the middle and we all just need to compromise or abandon our opinions - that's not it. But the truth remains -You are my brother or sister in Christ whether or not our politics align.

I'm not here stumping for a candidate, but I want to focus us on things that are vital for a believer to understand and remember at this time. And the first thing is, regarding any outcome of this election...

A. God is not limited

Elections do matter and there are very real consequences. I do believe that religious freedoms and Godly values are increasingly under attack in our nation - BUT - God is not limited by who wins or loses elections! God's plans, whom He chooses for His purposes, are much higher than any party's platform!

Think back to the account of the disciples after Jesus ascended into Heaven. They gathered for prayer in the Upper Room and decided to choose between a man named Joseph and another named Matthias to fill the vacancy left by Judas. They prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry" (Acts 1:24). There are many opinions regarding this apparent choice by 'coin toss'. But in light of the rest of the story that we see in the book of Acts - perhaps God had already chosen a man named Saul to become the 'replacement Apostle'...?

I certainly don't want to appear judgmental of Matthias here - but which choice - man's or God's - ended up having more of an influence for Christ? God is not limited by the faith or even the unbelief of our chosen officials.

Proverbs 21:1 (NIV)

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

If we read scripture, we see that God has used all kinds of people to achieve His purposes. In the book of Isaiah, God spoke of Cyrus, king of Persia, and said, "whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him". But King Cyrus was not a believer or a follower of God. We read this specifically about Cyrus in Isaiah 45:4-6 (NIV)...

For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. (5) I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, (6) so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.

God is not limited and doesn't require anything from anyone before He can act! Even a person's lack of belief does not limit God if God has planned to do something. Sure it limits the unbeliever - but it does not shackle God!

And this is not some kind of consolation prize I'm offering here. I'm not attempting to soothe anyone's disappointment if their particular candidate doesn't win. Nor is this about sitting on the fence, hedging a bet or cheering for both sides. No - I'm proclaiming the freedom and reassurance that comes with the absolute truth that...

B. God is sovereign!

God is entirely in charge of history whether we understand events or not, or who wins some earthly election!

Proverbs 16:9-10 (NIV)

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (10) The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.

God is in charge and a ruler should align himself or herself with God! I think we get so caught up with current events and the struggles of our own lives and what appears to us to be history altering events. And this probably is a history altering event for our nation - but our perspective can sometimes be too small! Isaiah wrote about God in Isaiah 40:22-25 (NIV)...

He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. (23) He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.

(24) No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. (25) "To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.

God is sovereign! God is never surprised by the outcome of any election. God doesn't follow polling trends. His plans do not depend on any president or ruler or King or political party - God's purposes will prevail! And in light of these Biblical truths - our focus should be on...

II. Our response

I don't have any control over the outcome on Tuesday - but I can control how I respond. I've probably made it clear over the years - I'm not one who has an overly large amount of trust in government. I believe there's a valid reason that President Reagan said, "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'"

But I also acknowledge the Apostle Paul's commands in Romans 13:1-3 (NIV)...

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (2) Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

(3) For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.

As believers - we are called to submit to and respect government - whether or not your party or candidate is in office. But here's something unique to the American experience. When it comes to laws and rulers - our government is designed specifically with the intention to ask us our opinion. That's what elections are all about. We have the freedom, and the responsibility to choose our leaders. That has not been the experience of the vast majority of people throughout the entire history of the world!

Our government was established, recognizing the freedoms, the inalienable rights given to us by our Creator! Now granted many in society are moving away from a belief in God and His Authority - but we do have the privilege to vote. And I'm not interested in turning this message into some 'get out the vote drive' - not my point. But even while respecting the authority of government, it's obvious that there are many direct conflicts between man's laws and God's laws. I will 'render unto Caesar what is Caesar's' - but also 'to God the things that are God's'.

You've heard me speak where the Bible clearly speaks. I will always stand for the sanctity of marriage as defined in scripture and the sanctity of human life as created in the image of God. I will stand with Israel as the nation through whom God chose to bring the Savior of the world! Those are all areas that have become political issues but where I can choose nothing other than standing for God's truth!

I understand that, to some - that might communicate a political allegiance. I don't endorse parties but I do endorse lovingly, compassionately and graciously standing for Godly values. And I do support the Women's Care Center on Broadway. Their ministry to women and babies is outstanding! At that one location alone, they serve 9 women a day, provide 1,000 free ultrasounds a year and last year saved 492 babies! That's something I can get behind. That's pleasing to God!

So yes, I will vote for that! In light of Biblical values and truths - our response to an unlimited, Sovereign God cannot be based solely on politics and elections but on...

A. Our mission

Those banners on the wall - Know Jesus, Grow in our relationship with God and each other, and to Go serve and to Go share the message of hope through the love of Jesus - those banners don't change with each election or administration! We are called to teach about God's design for humanity and His message of hope to a lost and dying world!

We can see clearly in the example of Jesus' life - for the Christian - changing the world frequently has very little to do with political power. Politics can and do greatly affect our lives and circumstances - but our mission as a Church is completely independent of who wins elections! Our power and any claim to truth does not come from politics but from Our Creator!

Psalms 145:1 (NIV)

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.

I consider myself to be patriotic - but America, as a country, America as we know it may pass away at some point in history. Many nations who have rejected God's authority have come and gone over the course of thousands of years. I pray that this Republic will continue for many generations and that my children and grandchildren will experience the same blessings and freedoms that I've had. But my real hope is in a Kingdom that will endure eternally!

I do feel a deep responsibility as a citizen of this nation, to faithfully vote preferring Godly values. But my responsibility as a Christian, my response - knowing we serve an unlimited, Sovereign God - my response must be most focused on...

B. Prayer

I can serve my country best when I seek God's will be done first. And I'll only know God's will through time in prayer with Him!

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - (2) for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (3) This is good, and pleases God our Savior, (4) who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

We are called to pray for 'those in authority' - that God's will be done - for 'all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.' Despite 'how correct I just know that I am' my ultimate life's goal cannot be to just win people to a political party, but to Jesus Christ!

We need to pray for God's will to be done. One preacher wrote, "We are not claiming to know His will in every case. As many have pointed out, in this crazy election, God may have chosen to given America the kind of weak or wayward or wavering President we deserve, not the one we need. But whether this is God's holy purpose or His permissive will for this country, we will drop to our knees and pray, "Father, may thy will be done in the United States of America as it is in Heaven.""

Nothing tells the real story of your faith like your prayer life. Nothing is more centered on faith than prayer. In prayer, we talk to One we've never seen. Day after day, year after year, we tell God the most personal things in our lives. And we do so believing that He is there, that He hears and will answer. - Even though - much of what we ask for, we may never even know whether God answered, or not or how He did. And yet we keep praying. That's faith.

But after an election - where the 'wrong person' won, the one you campaigned against - you are expected to pray for him or her. - Perhaps without even knowing in this lifetime whether or not those prayers made a difference.

Can you do that? Will you do that? It's not really optional if you want to follow Jesus. It's a command of scripture. And only the faithful will be able to do this. A friend of mine said, "If you cannot pray for someone who disagrees with you, you don't understand the cross yet." Those who cannot trust God if the election 'turns out wrong' - they will not pray. And that will demonstrate the true depth of our faith.

So What?

I have no idea how things are going to go down this Tuesday, or if things will go smoothly or if there will be chaos. I suspect it's not going to go easy, but just sit tight. Whoever wins or loses – we will still be the Church and we will all still be called to unity in Christ!

What is boils down to, if you understand God's Sovereignty - this decision really isn't ours. I'm not saying we're all simply pawns in some divine game and we have no choice whatsoever. We do have a choice. We do have a decision to make. Do we decide to trust in our own judgment, or will we give ourselves in prayer to God? God is in control for His purposes.

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Leading up to election day, and certainly after - please pray for our nation that we would be a blessing to God!