Election Perspective

America, we have a new president. A lot of prayers have been lifted up for several weeks and months on behalf of this election, but one thing we need to keep in mind is that the results did not take God by surprise. Words that you will NEVER hear from the mouth of God are: "Boy, I sure didn't see that coming!"

The Bible says that God “sets up kings and deposes them” (Dan. 2:21). And in Romans 13:1-7 we are told that all authority is established by God. So, if God establishes authority, then what is our response to be towards that authority? Read Romans 13:1-2.

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. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Also in I Tim. 2:1-4 we read:

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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

What are these passages telling us? As citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are to submit to those God, our King, has placed in authority over us. Notice, He did not say submit to them if we agree with their policies, or if they are "one of us." Whether we like them or not, whether we agree with them or not, we are to submit to them and honor them. And, if we do not honor those whom God has placed over us, the Bible says we are actually dishonoring God Himself and in rebellion against Him!

We are also told that we are to pray for our leaders. I believe that what Paul is telling the church is that if we humble ourselves in prayer for our leaders (again, whether we agree with them or not), that opens the door for the Spirit of God to move and fulfill God's purpose in that nation, community, family, etc.

In the past, the church has been very guilty of ridiculing, criticizing and complaining against leaders who they felt were not upholding biblical values. We have picketed and protested in an effort to "protect" this country from moral decay, and as a result I believe that we have actually hindered people from seeing the love of God, and kept God's purpose from being fulfilled. Could our dishonoring of our leaders and lack of prayers for them actually be keeping people from getting saved and coming into the Kingdom of God? (reread I Tim. 2:1-4)

The theme of Barack Obama's campaign was CHANGE. Let's use this election as an opportunity to change ourselves. Let's commit ourselves to quit grumbling and begin blessing; to quit complaining about our leaders and begin praying for them. As we learn to walk in obedience to God's Word regarding how we are to treat our leaders, then, maybe we will begin to see God's kingdom come and His will be done in America as it is in heaven.

Lord, I pray for president-elect Obama. I ask that You would keep Your hand of protection upon him and his family. Give him godly wisdom as he leads this country and may Your purpose and plan be fulfilled through him. Bless him, in Jesus' Name. Amen.