“Elected”
Today is Federal Election Day in Canada. Today every Canadian of voting age has the opportunity to “elect” to choose whom from among its citizens may govern (“conduct the policies actions and affairs of,” or, more harshly, “rule”) them. We call this system a democracy [dēmos = the people; kratos = rule] – government of the people. The Christian knows a further sort of rule, a theocracy [theos = God; kratos = rule] – government of God.
We do not elect this God, for there is but One God, and, as the scriptures teach us, it is He Who has “elected” us! He has chosen us to be His own, His people. His rule further tells us that He has established lesser authorities which we ought also to obey.
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God... For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.” (Rom. 13:1, 4.)
And why did He put these powers in place? He put them in place because He knew not all would receive His rule. Some would refuse Him… some would even deny His Being, forming instead other “gods,” things of their own making or the making of other mortals, to guide them.
Besides these, there is but one other way to run a people and that is to let the people run amok! Chaos! We see this result in the last statement of the book of Judges: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” (Judges 21:25). Anarchy ruled.
To all who are under the Lordship of Christ has been given the great privilege of being among the elect of God, Ambassadors, Lights in darkness, living in this world as testimonies of the Agapé Love of God.
Whatever your vote this day, be cognizant always of the Love and Lordship of Christ. He would have “all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4), and has said, “judge nothing before the appointed time” (1 Cor. 4:5), “Live in harmony… Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. …overcome evil with good.” (Rom. 12:16-18, 21).
Then, when this day is past, be careful also to follow this rule:
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 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 people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
Pray and Press on…
thebrokenrunner 