Police Devotional 11-9-20
Post-Election Counsel from God’s Word
“I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel:” (Psalm 16:7)
Election 2020 is now history. As of this writing, almost all the races have been decided. Whether you are rejoicing that your candidates won or lamenting that they lost, here are some thoughts from God’s Word, especially if you’re a Christian in America:
Be thankful. “In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) If your candidates won, be thankful. If some or all of them lost, be thankful anyway because we live in a free nation with separation of powers and where people elect leaders with limited power for a certain time. It’s not like we’re electing kings and queens for life.
Be discerning. “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:17) If your candidates won fair and square, great. If not, leave it to God to deal with it and go on. Don’t waste time reading toxic social media posts—or writing them–and becoming worked up over something you aren’t even sure is true and that you can’t control anyway.
Be prayerful. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 commands, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” It doesn’t say to pray for them if we like them. It says to pray for them. It also says to pray so that “…we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” People in many places can’t freely preach God’s Word or tell people how to receive Jesus as Saviour. Pray that in America, “…the word of the Lord may [still] have free course,” (2 Thessalonians 3:1) [word added]
Like cops, politicians are easy targets for critics who have never done their job. Politicians are also targets for temptation since they affect so many other people. Satan got Pharaoh to order Hebrew babies thrown into the river before the Exodus. He also used Medo-Persian leaders to fast-talk Darius into signing a law that put Daniel into the lions’ den. He convinced Herod to murder little kids to try to destroy the child, Jesus. His temptations aren’t always that drastic, but he still tempts leaders to do wrong. Pray for leaders to be guided by the fear of God: “…He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” (2 Samuel 23:3)
Most of all, be Christian: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) Reaching people with the soul-saving gospel of Christ is Job #1 for a Christian, NOT political activity. You may want certain people elected, but don’t forget what’s most important!
To illustrate the point, Revelation 20 speaks of the Great White Throne Judgment. Those at the Great White Throne had refused to receive Jesus as Saviour and died in their sins. The verdict of guilty and eternal penalty of hell are already set. Now picture a politician you don’t like stepping up to be judged. Look past him. Next in line is a politician you voted for and even campaigned for. Both of them know where they are, why they’re there, and what is about to happen. Get the point?
2 Peter 3:9 says God is “…not willing that ANY should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance.” [capitals added] Whatever you do, strive to reach people with the gospel–including politicians. Whether you like them or not, these are people with souls whom Jesus loves and for whom He died and rose again. Pray for God’s hand of guidance on their lives and careers. Most importantly, pray that they’ll receive Jesus as personal Saviour.
If you would like to see from the Bible how to be sure of an eternal home in heaven, please go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links”, then “How Do I Go to Heaven?”
Brian Miller 11/9/2020
Cleveland Baptist Church 4431 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 216/671-2822