2012 Election Thoughts

From my inbox

HOW TO RESPOND: Reading 1 & 2 Peter, how were believers to respond to extremely ungodly leaders like Nero? These are not Books of complaining but to emphasize our own godly responses.

“And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings.” (Dan. 2:21). The election of a president is not a misfortune or an accident, it is a divine appointment. 

“to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” (Dan. 4:17b). The might of the Babylonian empire swallowed up Israel but the God of Israel is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! History is His-story!

“till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.” (Daniel 4:25b)

“And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” (Dan. 4:35)

“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” (Psalm 75:6-7)

God raises up rulers, good and bad! He put Pharaoh in power. “And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” (Ex. 9:16). Yet God holds nations responsible for their actions. When leaders turn from God, God moves in judgment against that nation. 

Even proud and sinful Nebuchadnezzar was used as a servant of God. “I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me. And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.” (Jer. 27:5-7)

We like to blame elected officials for our problems, but nations get the governments that they deserve. Every one of us is responsible to influence our nation.

In "Why Democracies Fail": "Democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover they can vote themselves largesse (lar-jis - a gift generously given) out of the public treasure. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefit from the public treasury, with the result that democracy always collapses over a loose fiscal policy, always to be followed by a dictatorship, and then a monarchy."

Thanks Bro. Chuck