A friend was recently lamenting over who is actually qualified to govern a nation. Anyone? Can anyone actually claim expertise, experience, and valor to do so?
Zaphod Beeblebrox, in Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy said "Anyone capable of getting himself elected should by no means be allowed to serve."
Some of the best leaders we have had have actually been chosen by others, rather than themselves. Especially when those "others" have considered what the Scriptures say about who is qualified to govern.
George Washington resigned at Commander-in-Chief, resolved to spend the rest of his life as a private citizen. He was called back into public office and offered the title of King! He refused that title and argued for a representative form of government. Again, he attempted to return to private life, but as our constitutional republic was formed, he was unanimously voted to serve as its first President. Many have argued that none who have followed him have come close to serving as well, including Jefferson and Lincoln (especially Lincoln, but that's another post!).
Four years ago, William Einwechter wrote the following and it's still valid today: http://tinyurl.com/biblical-standards.
The most difficult job we have as voters is determining how God would have us vote. No other consideration matters. He is the Judge of the world and He will do right.
We have to decide whether we choose the "lesser of two evils" that are presented to us as our "only" choices, and thereby choose "less" evil. Or do we vote for a godly man who is not considered popular enough to win the election?
If we are still concerned about the lesser of two evils, we will probably capitulate and not vote for the godly man because others will accuse us of allowing the "more evil" of the "two" choices to win.
If this is where you are, then consider whom God has used in Scripture to lead his people: Moses, a murderer, polygamist, stutterer; David, a runty, smelly, adulterer, the least of the least; Joseph, a boastful slave-turned-prisoner; Gideon, with only 300 men; Deborah, when the men all abdicated.
One sows, another waters, but God gives the increase. So that neither the sower or the waterer are anything. Don't worry about who can win; vote for who should win and leave the rest to God.
Vote for God's man and let God be God.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
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5 comments:
Who is God's man?
Good question, Heather.
As God told Samuel, "Man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart." Haven't heard God speak to me the way He did to Samuel, but I hope I am not taken in by the "Eliabs" who look kinglike, but aren't.
But, Jesus said you will know them by their fruit. So, when we can't see the heart, we have to look at the "fruit" of their lives, to "know" their hearts. Of course, even then, we can be deceived.
Of the candidates on the ballot, Chuck Baldwin currently looks like the closest to being "qualified" by fruit inspection. If it would count, I would still vote for Ron Paul.
Pray for wisdom. For you, as you vote; and for whomever God places in office.
Great post, JB! I look forward to checking out more of your blog. Got here via your tweet earlier today.
I'm still considering writing in Ron Paul's name on principle. I'm glad to hear someone else say that it's ok to vote for who we think is the right person, not just who we think can win.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
steve :)
This new reader to your blog agrees whole-heartedly. I am just amazed at how many of my Reformed friends forget that God is sovereign even during an election year!
~Heather Davis
www.lazydranch8.blogspot.com
Being in prayer about it is important. I agree that voting by leading of the Spirit is vital. I'm praying for the elections.
Engrafted by His Grace-
Shonda
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