Some Thoughts for ‘The Elect’ After an Election

The “blue wave” that was predicted has happened. The voters across the country in many states and local elections have expressed displeasure with current leadership. In the process they have voted for people who some perceive as holding ungodly positions on everything from human sexuality to the Jews.

It would be easy to engage in some “gnashing of teeth” for those so disappointed. Instead of worrying about policies that may result from this election, consider these biblical principles that have stood the test of time:

• In all of Israel’s history they had few good kings. God still had plans for them.
• In all of American history power has changed hands between parties frequently. In fact in 90 percent of midterm elections the party in opposition gained seats in the house, and in 8- percent they gained seats in the senate. Kingdoms, and parties, rise and fall. The Word of the Lord endures forever.
• No mortal law nor government can change the truth or authority of a sovereign God who acts by His will in His timing.
• God can use leaders and others, both good and bad, to accomplish His purpose. In fact there is a pattern of God using who we would never expect to do His will. It is a way to demonstrate His power and magnify His glory.
• People who complain to God for “letting this happen” must listen to what God said to those who complained in the Bible, from Job, to Habbakuk to Lamentations: “where were you when I laid the foundations of the world?”
• Being a disciple of Christ means acting boldly in the name of Jesus. None of the disciples or apostles were elected to public office. In fact the apostles were beaten by public officials for sharing the name of Jesus and told not to do so again. They persisted in teaching that Jesus is the Christ. We need to do the same, recognizing we serve God and have a mission regardless of who is in office.
• At the same time, we should all do what Jeremiah told Daniel to do while living in the Persian empire: serve well the city where you are in exile. This is not our home. But we serve God here and now regardless of circumstance.
• Your prayer matters more than your vote. The battle is spiritual, not political.
• All authority on Heaven and earth has been given to Jesus Christ. It wasn’t up for a vote, it was just God’s doing.
• Jesus will reign again on earth, not for two years, not for four, but for a thousand years. And then forever.
• There is a theme better than any campaign slogan: set your sights on things above.
• Don’t be sad about who was elected to government offices. Be grateful that you are among the elect who will enter the Kingdom of God.
• The Lord who parts and calms seas is bigger than a blue wave.