It is an election campaign unlike any other seen in
the United States. Yes, like the others, it is long and drawn out. What makes
this campaign different is the ‘populism and
polarisation.’ Yes, there has been
shameless mudslinging: one candidate is called ‘sexist’ and ‘racist’ while the
other is simply labelled ‘crooked.’ One candidate ignores accusations of being ‘inexperienced’
while the other is accused of being ‘too experienced’ in lying, corruption, and
using office for influence peddling. It is an election where everyone has an
opinion. One candidate represents a populist revolt of a first-time candidate
while the other has been in the spotlight and political establishment for 25
years.
What are we to make of this US presidential election?
Can anyone lead the US out of the estranged, highly charged atmosphere that
this campaign brings?
Yet, for our purposes, we seek the opinion of the most
important One of all. How would Jesus Christ vote in the 2016 US Presidential
election?
There are three possible answers and amazingly they
are all have validity.
Option One: Jesus
Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, does not vote. He does not belong to
the Democratic Party, Republican Party, independent party, indeed, any party.
This is standard fare in constitutional monarchies. The sovereign is above
politics, is not a politician, is not a member of a political party, and does
not cast a vote at all. When the pre-incarnate Christ was asked by a curious
Joshua son of Nun if He was for Joshua and the Israelites side or for the
Jericho and Canaanite side? Answer: Neither. I have not come to take sides but
to take over (Joshua 5:14). Eventually the kingdoms of this world must give way
to the kingdom of Christ.
Option Two: Jesus
Christ will vote. God takes an active interest in the affairs of humankind.
Romans 13:1 says:
Let every soul
be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers
that be are ordained of God.
In the history of Israel and Judah, God spoke (voted)
His assessment of each of the kings. Israel had 19 kings and Judah 20. In God’s
assessment, all of Israel’s kings were deemed ‘evil’ and of Judah’s only eight
were called ‘good.’ The Lord’s declaration was not based on military prowess or
economic management. It was based on character and compliance to God’s Word.
The often used phrase was ‘He (the king) did that which was right in the
sight of the LORD.’
Remember, bad people can never be good leaders, no
matter how clever they are in the political, military, or economic realms.
Jesus said it best ‘A good tree cannot bear bad fruit and a bad tree cannot
bear good fruit’ (Matthew 7:18). Character counts. The great leader
of average intelligence can always hire ‘brains’ and of moderate ability can
always hire ‘competence.’ However, the good leader cannot hire integrity and
character. These are things that must already be operative in his or her life.
Not only does God assess each leader on character, He is completely able to
promote and demote any politician or candidate at will (Psalm 75:6-7).
Option Three: Jesus
will vote through us. First, let’s get this straight: no politician, however
intelligent, competent, clever and well-meaning, will be able to solve the
massive political, economic, and social problems the United States faces. These
problems are also mirrored in much of the western world, including Australia,
Canada, and the UK. A great leader will make progress, a bad one will set the
country back.
The reason that politicians alone are not the solution
is that at the core society’s problems are spiritual; therefore, the answers
are equally spiritual. So if the Godly seek the LORD for the election and
follow the time-honoured counsel of II Chronicles 7:14, the classic
verse on revival, which says:
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble
themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then
will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
then God promises to hear, forgive, and heal the land.
After years of moral decline, plus a bruising US election campaign, it is
obvious that America can use some healing. The prayers of the righteous are the
way to get it.
Vote in the heavens first: The American presidential campaign has attracted extraordinary
international coverage. Millions of non-Americans overseas made it a point to
watch the presidential debates. It is not just because of celebrity attraction:
as the world’s sole remaining superpower, what happens to America affects the
entire world. Regardless of whether you are a voting American or not, a
Democrat, Republican, or swing voter, the wisest thing you can do is pray for
God’s will in this election. We are commanded to pray for kings and all in
authority (I Timothy 2:1-4).
Remember: A vote in the heavens by prayer will affect
the voting on earth. The heavenly prayer is the one Christ hears and it can
change the course of history. May the best person - the one America needs, not
deserves - win.
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