Polls show
the majority now think the world is going to hell in a hand basket. Fear is
everywhere. Debt Cliffs, Ebola Panic, ISIS War, Radical Islamic Terrorism,
Economic Stagnation, Marriage Woes, Political Gridlock, Racial Division, Moral
Chaos. People are flat out desperate for ANSWERS. Increasingly, people are
looking to MESSIAH GOVERNMENT as the solution and provider. A few reminders may
be helpful as you prepare to vote:
1. The Lord Rules
Increasingly,
people want “God Bless America” and not “One Nation Under God.” However, you
can’t have one without the other. Psalm 103:19 says, “The Lord has established
His throne in the heavens, and His Sovereignty rules over all.” The Kingdom of God will not arrive on Air
Force One … no matter who the President is. Trust God ... He is in control. Really!
2. The Four Systems of Government
Under God’s
rule there are four distinct realms: Individual self-government, family, church
and civil government. Each realm has limited spheres of responsibility and
jurisdiction. The most significant is self-government where individuals can choose
to live individually under the principles of God and in the power of God (Eccl.
12:12-13). Family and Church government are critical as well. Civil Government
is to support, not replace, the other spheres by keeping evil in check so good
can flourish (Romans 13:1-4). Civil government was never created to be your
parent or Savior. If the first three spheres of government break down and/or
civil government grows beyond its divinely authorized scope, watch out for
chaos. In the extreme, people end up with tyranny.
3. There are Two Kingdoms in Conflict
Make no
mistake … Jesus is a King and He has a Kingdom (John 18:36-37). Believers live
as dual citizens (Eph. 3:20). Jesus teaches and models how to bridge this
divide. In Mark 12:13-17 members of the far right and far left came together to
discredit Jesus and neutralize his power and influence. Jesus threads the
needle with his famous reply, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s
and to God the things that are God’s.” St. Thomas Moore said, “I die the King’s
good servant, but God’s first.” Our hearts and agendas must not be tied first
and foremost to a donkey or an elephant but to a Lamb.
4. Humility or Humiliation
Whenever a
government sets itself up as a God, some fireworks will come. God sits on the throne
and laughs (Psalm 2). Remember Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from the throne
for seven years until he humbled himself (Daniel 4). Whenever rulers drift away
from God they set themselves and their countries up for a heavenly political
action plan. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Dare we not
think the USA is invincible.
5. Don’t expect Government to do what
only Jesus can do
Chuck Colson
said, “The danger with Christian political movements, per se, is that they tend
to make the gospel hostage to particular political agendas. You may wrap the
gospel in the flag, and make God a prop for the state. And this is a grave
danger.” We mistakenly think the political process has the power to change the
culture, change hearts and make the world what it should be. Notice the Iceberg
Diagram.
We tend to place
all our attention on the visible part above the water line: Abortion,
Pornography, Violence, Adultery, Division, etc. These are merely the symptoms
of a deeper problem. Below the surface is the raging philosophical issue of
“What is Truth?” and deeper still is the fundamental issue of Jesus. Real
change will come from the One who has the power to change human hearts—Jesus.
May God help us see people not as enemies but rather as thirsty people and give
us the grace to offer the Living Water, who alone can quench even the deepest
thirst. People can make shocking decisions yet God still pursues them…it’s
called Grace.
6. Be On the Right Side When You Vote
In Joshua 5
the people of God are preparing to fight the Battle of Jericho. General Joshua
has a surprise divine encounter with the sword-carrying Captain of the host of
the Lord. Joshua asked him,” Are you for us or for our adversaries? His answer to paraphrase, “Neither. I’m not on
your side or their side. I’m on God’s side.” He had not come to take sides but
to take over. God will not settle for merely being a mascot for the Democrats
or a mascot for the Republicans. God doesn’t come to take sides but to take
over. Vote for the person that best represents the values of Jesus and the Kingdom
of God. Be informed, register to vote and then vote.
