Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The People Have Chosen


The people of the United States have spoken by casting their ballots. Barack Obama is now our President-elect. As I have been considering this possibility over the last few days, I am reminded of the following passage in 1 Samuel 8:


1 Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel. 2 The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. 3 But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, 5 and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day—with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also. 9 Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them.”


The children of Israel were so dissastisfied with the possibility of Samuel's sons leading them, that they rejected the current plan of government. They so desperately wanted change and wanted to be like other nations that they even rejected God and His plan for them. God loves us so much that we created us with free will. He gave us the opportunity to choose to love Him. Loving Him includes loving His ways which are defined in scripture.


The collective cry of the people of America has been for change. Now we shall have it. This nation is about to change, to what extent remains to be seen. The church in America can no longer remain silent. We must allow our voices to be heard like never before. We the people must actively participate in every piece of legislation that is presented. We must hold our elected officials accountable for every vote. This is not a time to cower, but a time to arise! We must defend the cause of liberty with a renewed zeal.


It is time to pray for our leaders like never before. The next administration has many challenges that will require heaven's strategies. It is our responsibility to pray. It does us no good to curse the darkness. We must allow the light of the Gospel (Good News) to shine more brightly than every before.
*Pray for the protection of the United States.
*Pray that the Constitution is upheld.
*Pray for the Supreme Court to strictly adhere to the Constitution.
*Pray for our leaders to walk in humility, wisdom, and the fear of the Lord.

2 comments:

Melissa Flores said...

Lisa,
We are now seeing the real American condition... The search is on for answers, truth and change.

We most certainly feel a pull to prayer and action. I'm ready for the challenge!

Stacey said...

I certainly agree! I was thinking on this passage just this morning & also on the passage where they crucified Christ...wanting the murderer & the theif, more than their salvation. If they had known they would never have crucified our Lord... we also know the answer is that resurrection power soon followed! Even though the plan for salvation for this nation was before this people and has now been in a sense crucified, resurrection power is about to come about! We still have a voice! I am so thankful!