Now the votes have been cast
Everyone must obey the state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgement on himself. Romans 13 : 1 - 2 (GNB) |
In the UK and I am sure in many other places across the world, the build up to a national election can be a noisy, confusing or even worrying time. Wherever you look you will find people campaigning for their parties and pushing their policies and candidates. Each one will try and convince you that their plan for the nation is far better than their rivals, yet there is an underlying uncertainty over what will happen next.
After this we have polling day and the nation decides on who they want to govern us for the next five years. Once polling day has passed, everyone has cast their vote and they have all been carefully counted. We gradually discover constituency by constituency which politicians will now represent us in parliament, and which party will take the lead.
Whatever the outcome is, whether it is what you hoped for or an outcome that you feared we are instructed to respect our leaders. The passage clearly states "Everyone must obey the state authorities" and whether you like them or not, their position in authority is part of Gods plan.
At many elections there is talk of change and uncertainty, two things which can strike fear into the hearts of a lot of people. However, this should not be the same for us. We know that God is in control, and we can rely on him even if we cannot say the same about those taking their seats in Westminster and other places of government across the country and around the world. We can be certain that amongst all of the political spin and discussions God will be there watching over them.
This week, no matter whether elections go the way you hope or not be encouraged that God has a plan, and God is always in control. Have a great week.
This week's song is Broken Hallelujah by The Afters. |
Header image by: U.S. Department of Agriculture via Flickr