After President Obama was elected in 2008 I penned these words for my blog. They are as true today as they were then, as they were 2,000 years ago when the apostles were weighing in on such matters. Here they are again, slightly adapted for the events of the past twenty-four hours:
Whether you went to bed filled with utter elation or deep despair, there is one response that must be at once common and necessary among all of us, especially those of us claiming to follow Jesus Christ. Consider the words of the Apostle Paul to his younger friend Timothy:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Also, consider what Paul penned to the Christians living in, of all places, Rome: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Romans 13:1).
Regardless of your political persuasion, or whether your guy won or lost, the man that is the president of the United States needs our respect, our prayers, and our support. This does not suggest that we agree with him on everything. That is one of the beauties of American democracy. But in God’s greater government it is clear that God alone raises up rulers and lays them down, and it is this same God who commands His followers to give honor to those governing authorities that God has clearly established.
So . . . are you willing to pray for, respect, honor, and otherwise speak kindly of the man who is our new president? To do so is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Thank you for your feedback, Donna.
I missed a couple of Sundays, but was there throughout the majority of the election season. Maybe I missed the things you mentioned, but they certainly weren’t front and center, and they should have been.
Thank you Nancy! I’m grateful for your example…..
You are welcome Vicky! Thank you!
Thank you Sandy. Good words! I’m grateful…….
Donna …..
I’m sorry you are disappointed. I know there are a lot of us disappointed right now, and in light of the outcome I am not sure anything we did would be perceived as enough. From the platform I have recently, clearly said that as a follower of Christ I could in no way support the candidate that is for abortion and against biblical marriage. We have hosted a forty-day prayer season for the election, had election guides, and prayer groups. Indeed, I have had many come and affirm the messaging we were giving regarding biblical values for such a season and for always.
Matthew
Dave ….
I’m sorry you are disappointed. I know there are a lot of us disappointed right now, and in light of the outcome I am not sure anything we did would be perceived as enough. From the platform I have recently, clearly said that as a follower of Christ I could in no way support the candidate that is for abortion and against biblical marriage. We have hosted a forty-day prayer season for the election, had election guides, and prayer groups. Indeed, I have had many come and affirm the messaging we were giving regarding biblical values for such a season and for always.
Matthew
I feel Bethel missed an opportunity to minister to the congregation by at least showing the congregation Biblical principles prior to the election. As a chruch, we can not afford to be politically correct by saving nothing on the eve of the most critical election in our time. Someting should have been said, in the light of Scripture, to help influence the vote. What was said after the election is fine, but we needed something prior also. Dave
Pastor Matthew,
I am somewhat disappointed in the lack of direction Bethel church gave to it’s attenders over the course of this most influential of elections. Sunday morning prior to the election was a prime time to give direction to the church body regarding how one’s vote should line up with Biblical principles. To my knowledge, nothing was said of the election. I am not saying that to address these issues would have changed the outcome of the election, but it would have made me (and others who feel the same way I do) feel as though our church body is taking a strong stand in the midst of the battleground which has become the American culture.
Erin . . . . thank you. I am not suggesting the “political winds” are favorable, nor that they are good, but simply that beyond all of the political ups and downs is our Lord God who is bigger than all of it and who alone can be trusted. Remembering that he is in charge, that he raises up rulers and sets them down, and that he will right all the wicked injustices, often now but ultimately at his return, is a sign of great strength, not weakness.
I do concur with the blogger you cited, that these things of late may well in fact be judgment upon a nation that is utterly self-serving and willing to celebrate a culture of death.
Advice I once received and reflect on now is to ‘focus on what you know not what you fear’…and I know that God is omnipotent, He is at work and I trust His promise that he will never leave nor forsake us. Therefore I put my full trust in Him for the outcome, praying that our nation will come together through Him. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” –James 1:19
I agree with you Teri.
Matthew: The comment of “however the political winds blew you” does not sit well with me. If we are firmly grounded in the BIBLE, there should be no winds that can make one waver. Those “political winds” have seen over 7000 babies die of abortion in Fargo since you came to our church. 30 of which died YESTERDAY. 4.8 Million have died during Obama’s administration. We need to stand up and fight instead of being a “la la la let’s all love each other” weakling.
I urge you to read this article: http://chantrynotes.wordpress.com/2012/11/07/how-i-absorbed-three-punches-and-stood-up-anyway
I AM praying. That Mr. Obama’s heart is softened & the scales fall off of his eyes so he sees his need for Jesus, that Jesus comes soon, that God continues to protect the ones who love & follow him and that His will is done.
I am not sure that Scripture says we must respect the President, the man. I do agree that is says we must respect the President, the position. There is a major difference.
Thanks for your comments.
Thank you Pastor Matthew for the timeliness of your email. It is greatly appreciated. Blessings on your day!
Thank you, Matthew, for the reminder from God’s Word of our responsibilities as Christians. I have been and will be praying for our Presidents’ salvation through Jesus Christ.