Did some U. S. Christians cast their ballots for the incumbent in the recent election? Then surely they must have uneasy consciences about their choice for what ought to be obvious reasons. Probably more Christians voted for the Republican nominee. But do they wonder if they have voted contrary to the will of God when they supported the man whom He sovereignly disallowed?
Some, on the other hand, don’t vote. They believe their heavenly citizenship and ambassadorial status makes them “resident aliens,” commissioned by their Lord to be non-partisan: “If My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight,” said our Lord.
But whether or not you believe Christians should vote, we all know we should pray! Paul writes: “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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved…” (1 Tim. 2:1-4). Notice the kinds of prayer to be offered: supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks. Whatever our influence in the voting booth, it is insignificant compared with a visit to the Throne of Grace.
The objective of such requests is “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life.” It would seem that the intent of asking for such is not primarily to give the saints a safe and easy life but to provide an environment that is amenable to the furthering of God’s work.
Providing this atmosphere in society is the fiat of God, but Paul also reminds us of our responsibility: our life should be lived “in all godliness and honesty.” Godliness seems to refer to that heart attitude in the believer that always moves him to act in ways that please the Lord. Honesty (semnotes, gravity) describes that lifestyle that suits a Christian who is at the same time moved to sorrow over the conditions on earth and filled with joy through fellowship with heaven (see 2 Cor. 6:10). W. E. Vine refers to the Greek word as “gravity combined with dignity, with freedom alike from moroseness and from levity.”
Beyond our own desire for such a world condition is the far greater desire of God: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have (wills) all men to be saved….” Ultimately, it is the longing of God not to reform society but to redeem sinners. We must never lose sight of this, that God loves Democrats as much as Republicans, liberals as much as conservatives, and desires their eternal salvation.
The politicos going in usually disappoint us as much as the ones going out. Christ alone is the believers’ true hope. “Our Man is in, and His seat is uncontested.” By the unanimous consent of Heaven, the One who was “despised and rejected by men” now sits supreme. Before time began He planned the ages; in the past, He “by Himself purged our sins”; in the present, He upholds “all things by the word of His power” from the place where He sits “at the right hand of the Majesty on high”; as to the future, He is the “heir of all things”; all the while being “the brightness of [God’s] glory” (Heb. 1:2-3).
Who is this One who rules the universe? As the Architect of the ages, He is the First and the Last of all God’s plans. As the Purger of our sins, He is the Author and Finisher of faith. As the Upholder of the universe, He is the Beginning and the Ending of every divine purpose. As the Heir of all things, He is the Root and Offspring of David, the fulfiller of God’s prophetic program. As the brightness of [God’s] glory, and the express image of His person,” He is the Alpha and Omega of all God’s revelation to man.
Two thousand years ago the exit polls indicated the Carpenter from Nazareth had lost. Men drove their point home with a lash, a hammer, and a spear. But God had the final say: “Whom God hath raised up…This Jesus hath God raised up…God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:24, 32, 36).