A Lamb Among Donkeys and Elephants...

November 1, 2022

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons - for government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority - Romans 13:1-7

Join us in singing: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” NOT!

Political ads are everywhere. Signs cover yards. TV stations sell out to the highest bidders. Your mail now has an extra piece or two with harsh words against another human being. Our radios remind us that some people “can’t be trusted and will destroy America!”

Sigh.

We don’t know about you but it sure would be nice if instead of pointing out someone else’s flaws - as one person sees them - we focused on our compatibilities (what we agree on). George Orwell put it this way: “During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.” Well, “Viva la revolution!” we say!

Speaking of truth - it is important to remember in the midst of these character assassinations and lies from both sides of the duopoly (there’s a two dollar word for you) that Scripture does remind us that we are to honor those who are to serve and lead us as governmental authorities. (Taxes though? Really Paul!?) :)

It’s a hard thing to realize that sometimes those who are placed in authority over us - especially those who we “voted” for, or placed our trust in - abuse that authority for self-promotion, self-gain, or self-power. That’s when it becomes difficult to place our faith in what God has called us to do in obeying authority.

Yet, that is precisely what we must remember - our faith is in God…not people.

Our faith is in God’s plan revealed within his Holy Word and the promises of his Son, Jesus Christ the King.

Ah, the King. Now, there is royalty.

And that is where our true loyalty belongs. To the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Now, we should be invested in elections - hey, we are a constitutional republic after all! Get out there and vote! And do not fear voting for the person you think best represents you and your understanding of what it means to live in a land of “freedom and justice for all.”

Just don’t be too depressed when your person doesn’t win, nor get too upset when they do…and then don’t keep their promises.

And this is where scripture again can help us. The Bible contains many commands to pray for our leaders—national and local…secular and religious…believers and non-believers.

In wisdom and authority, Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “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.”

So, what can we do? Pray. Pray. Pray.

Let’s pray for our leaders today. Let’s pray for our leaders’ families. Let’s pray for their health, their well-being, their wisdom, their willingness to serve, and their sacrifices. But, above all, let us bow our knees and lift our heads to heaven and ask the King of kings to bless us with godly leaders, loving authority figures, wise and benevolent overseers, and generous and sacrificial standard-bearers.

After all, God may have created the elephants and the donkeys…but it is the Lamb who deserves our love and admiration, our devotion and loyalty.

All hail the King!