The world is taking great note of the upcoming USA elections and for good reason. The results will have repercussions that go far beyond the shores of America. It is an election of epic proportions; an event without precedent that will surely be noted in the annals of worldwide history. As an American, I too am watching the daily saturation of election coverage however my sentiments in recent weeks is more characterized by a sense of grieving, tears and shame.
Has our country and our world truly come to such a sordid spectacle where we see a daily feeding of sin, slander and corruption? What about our role as members of the body of Christ; do we sometimes become guilty by feeding into this frenzy through our daily absorption of news and arm chair commentary? We seek to project the fallout of the administration that will come to power while failing to recognize the cup of iniquity coming to the full. Are we really concerned for the abominations taking place in the land? Admittedly, I have been guilty of this trespass.
There is another election that the Bible speaks of that should draw more of our attention.
2Pe 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
Have you ever thought of yourself as a believer being involved in an election? What are the qualities and characteristics that will draw the attention of God? It is a wonderful thing to sing songs about God winning our heart but have we won His? The scripture is filled with examples of men and women that are cited by God for their manner of life. The Lord took great pleasure in Job as he conversed with Satan. (Job 1:8) The Bible refers to God’s election of Rahab and the widow woman who cast in her two mites; two unlikely candidates whom the Lord highly esteemed. How can we come to the place of making our calling and election sure?
Here are two quick Biblical examples:
1) Joshua the high priest was a man whose life was contended over by both God and Satan. (Zech 3:1-2) What qualities did Joshua possess that enabled him to be elected or contended over by God? The Bible speaks of him as one who was chosen out of the fire. (vs 2) This signifies a process of purifying and refining that he chose to avail himself of. It is a picture of the true priest as seen in Malachi:
Mal3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:
Mal3:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
Do we live a life worthy of being contended over by God; a life characterized by the Fear of the Lord? It is interesting to note that Joshua experienced a divine exchange of garments as a result of his circumspect walk. (Zech 3:4)
2) There is another group of people whom God identifies and takes special note of. It is to those who cry out concerning the sins of the land. The Word of the Lord came to an angelic host that was about to bring judgement to rebellious Israel; among them was a man who was instructed to seal and place a mark upon those who cried out concerning the abominations in the land. (Eze 9:4) A similar example is given in the Book of Revelation where a seal was placed upon the servants of God before judgement. (Rev 7:3) The Bible makes clear that we are to be those that seek after meekness and righteousness in the day of the Lord’s anger. (Zeph 2:3) It is a priestly prayer that pleads for the mercy of God to come upon the land.
There is an added caution to the body of Christ. This article is being written one week before the national USA election. There is an endless release of scandal and corruption that can be traced to the highest levers of power being unveiled as the day to vote draws closer. On one hand it is refreshing to see some of the hidden sins of evil people being exposed for all to see. It could bode well in helping to pave the way for a national revival rooted in repentance. There is a concern however for a notable gloating and self-righteous attitude in many church circles. It is characterized by statements such as God is answering prayer and that America may well be on its way to a period of restoration and healing without proper concern for one’s own spiritual well-being. I also pray for healing and restoration but let us not forget a well-known Biblical principal.
1Co 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
Let history be our guide in making the above point. God revealed sin in the high places of the USA government back in the 1970’s beginning with the administration of President Richard Nixon. In a few short years we began to see sin revealed amongst high leaders in the church. The current exposure of hidden corruption coming to light is unprecedented; no one in the political and media arena has been exempt. Do you not think that the probing eye of the Lord will work similarly within the church? Yes, it is refreshing to see criminal elements in our society being exposed; many of which who have eluded justice for decades. It appears that God is moving but let us not the mistake of seeing ourselves as being immune from a more intensive scrutiny by God through His Word.
Now is not the time to gloat and celebrate; it is a time to seek the Lord for mercy for both our land and ourselves. Let’s pray for a revival of righteousness and holiness to again prevail upon America.
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| Now is not the time to gloat and celebrate; it is a time to seek the Lord for mercy for both our land and ourselves. Let’s pray for a revival of righteousness and holiness to again prevail upon America. |
Make no mistake; I will vote in the upcoming USA election and I do have a preference. It is a crucial vote that may well alter the worldwide landscape in religious, economic and geo-political terms. At the same time let us not lose site of the election that truly matters; being among the elected of God. As a church let us seek to know the heart of God and be a people walking in the Fear of the Lord. The key is to come into the place of humbling ourselves and praying, seeking the face of God while pleading for a turning away from sin. It is here where God can forgive the sin and heal the land. (2 Chron 7:14) This will help to ensure a positive result in one’s personal and national election.