Dear Faith Family, 

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way, (1 Timothy 2:1-2). 

This morning you awakened to a dream or a nightmare.  Maybe you’re not awake yet?  Or is it possible that you just don’t care?  I know, I know.  We’re not supposed to chat about politics or religion.  But guess what we’re already talking about today.  Politics, for sure.  But what about religion?  Today I’d like to talk about both.  Frankly, they are joined at the knees. 

A couple of truths bubble to the surface of the swamp, above the conflict.  One.  God is in control.  Not one candidate’s victory caught God by surprise.  And it isn’t just because God has the ability to see the future.  And it isn’t just that He could see the final results before the polls even opened.  God was not caught by surprise because He is not a spectator in human elections.  For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God, (Romans 13:1).  Wait.  Maybe we need to read that verse one more time! 

Here's a thing.  God has purpose in His choice for each elected official.  We have petitioned God many times with the words Your will be done, (Matthew 6:10).  Since we know that God’s will is being done, wouldn’t it be wise for us to look for His purpose in the midst of, dare I say it, even politics?!  Did we mean it when we prayed those words, Your will be done?  Let’s acknowledge that His will is greater, bigger, and different than our will.  You can say that again!  And let’s start looking for what our God is up to in His world. 

A second truth.  Our response ought to be one of prayer.  God, through Paul, urges us to pray.  The call of God for us is to pray for our leaders.  He calls us to offer our requests and to offer thanksgiving (thankful that the political ads are over!).  Interesting that God didn’t call us to like individual leaders or a particular political party for that matter.  However, God did call us to offer thanksgiving.  Are you aware that each elected official is created in the image of Almighty God?!  Start there.  Thank God for that. 

And pray.  Pray for those who serve.  What a place to serve – a place where nearly half of those being served are in opposition.  Pray for God to accomplish His purpose.  Pray for the salvation of our leaders.  Pray that our leaders will follow the Lord as they serve the people.  Pray for their families.  Pray for their staff. 

The first truth supports the second truth.  Because God is in control, we ought to pray.  He’s the true head.  The head over all our leaders.  Thank God that He is in control (that includes His authority over our leaders). 

Recall the powerful words of Jesus to Pontious Pilate in John 18.  Pilate was wrestling with conflicting thoughts about releasing Jesus to be crucified.  Frustrated with the silence of Jesus, Pilate asked, Do You not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you, (John 18:10).  Jesus’ response?  You would have no authority over Me unless it had been given you from above, (John 18:11)! 

Don’t forget, He rules over the nations (Psalm 22:28), 
Pastor Karl