A national election will held on
Tuesday, 8 November 2016. As a nation, we will be electing leaders on a local,
state and national level. A yearlong debate will remain as the nation considers
which individuals will be our country’s leaders. Discussions begin in earnest
January 1.
According to the doctrine of the
Two Kingdoms (referred by many as the doctrine of Church and State), we
Christians recognize our president (and all elected leaders whether on the
local, state or national level) as God’s man for this time - whether he knows
and understands it or not. St. Paul in Romans 13:1 reminds us, “Everyone
must submit himself 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 this reason we are directed to “give everyone what you
own him: If you owe taxes, pay tassel if revenue, then revenue; if respect,
then respect, if honor, then honor.” [Romans 13:7]
Daily we should pray for our
leaders that the Lord would give them wisdom. They need the Lord’s direction to
use their power for our country’s good so that we may live in peace and safety.
They need divine guidance that we as free people might exercise our rights of
free assembly and worship. We need to treasure our freedoms and support those
who have sworn to protect them so that we can gossip the Gospel before the Lord
returns in glory.
We live under a representative
republic, which means we elect individuals to stand in for us for a certain
moment of time. Every four years we inaugurate a head of state, not a king.
When we are satisfied with our leader’s work, they are re-elected. If not,
others will take their place. We are given freedoms in this great country: to
speak our mind, to disagree, and to come together. Every time a new
administration is elected, there is a peaceful transfer of the figurehead of
power. There are no riots. Life does not cease. In all reality, not much
changes. The bureaucrats keep their jobs.
We are
living in challenging times. In many respects, we are entering uncharted
waters. Some of these challenges we have not had to confront in over fifty
years. Others have been looming over us for a while. Now they need to be
addressed. We will need the best minds our country has to face the difficulties
and challenges of our 21st Century. In this New Year, commit yourself to daily
pray for those who serve as your representatives. Vigilance is needed. Serving
both God and country is what makes us model citizens. Love God. Serve your
neighbor. Be a sermon in shoes.
As we begin a new year we find ourselves in the
Christmas/Epiphany season. Epiphany is the shepherds recognizing the Messiah.
It is the Magi acknowledging the king of glory. It is Peter's "You are the
Christ...." It is the two disciples on the way to Emmaus having their eyes
opened. It is any time that our eyes are opened to the manifestation of God in
our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The
experience of Epiphany is the most important goal of Christian teaching or
preaching. It is the moment when Christ is perceived by the eyes of faith.
Throughout this coming year may we see God’s hand at work among us, drawing us
closer to Him has He continues to order our days directing us through every
circumstance of our lives. Christ has come to bring light and life. May His
hand guide us throughout this coming year.
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