Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Observations from Scripture of Our Times and Seasons by Kenton Cheek

“Woe to those who make unjust laws,
    to those who issue oppressive decrees,
to deprive the poor of their rights
    and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people,
making widows their prey
    and robbing the fatherless.
What will you do on the day of reckoning,
    when disaster comes from afar?
To whom will you run for help?
    Where will you leave your riches?
Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives
    or fall among the slain.

Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
    his hand is still upraised.”

–Isaiah 10:1-4

     There are so many people, views and opinions that vary wildly on the political landscape even among Christians.  It is inaccurate to say that even most Christians vote one way or another because there is such great diversity of thought among the people of God.  While I do believe that it is wrong, even blasphemous, to think that one party or leader will save America or any particular nation and obsess over politics to the point where we think that all must vote that way, I also don’t believe that the sons and daughters of God should be totally disengaged politically. 

     From this passage in Isaiah we see that the championing of justice and human rights is to be a high priority for those who follow the Lord.  That being said, I it is my firm conviction that to truly champion means to go beyond voting and spreading rhetoric.  We must put our faith into action and be sure that it is the pure principles of the Word of God that we are acting upon and not the planks of any political party platform.  We receive our direction from the Throne of Almighty God, not any convention.

     I would strongly encourage all believers to vote according to their Holy Spirit-enlightened consciences, but also to know that Yahweh Himself will hold every human, including all political leaders, to account for their actions.  No one will escape His judgment and His judgments are perfect, fair, holy and just in every regard.  He alone is qualified to be our merciful Savior and righteous Judge.

     We must trust and obey God, rather than men and women.  Followers of Jesus should endeavor to invest their time, energy and resources to helping the poor, fatherless and widows because this is part of fulfilling the Great Commandment to love others and the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.  As we do this we will see the Kingdom of God expand upon the Earth.  This will lead to a more godly populous from which we can elect godly leaders.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

–James 1:27

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

 –Matthew 7:12

You are righteous, Lord,
    and your laws are right.
The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
    they are fully trustworthy.
My zeal wears me out,
    for my enemies ignore your words.
Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
    and your servant loves them.
Though I am lowly and despised,
    I do not forget your precepts.
Your righteousness is everlasting
    and your law is true.
Trouble and distress have come upon me,
    but your commands give me delight.
Your statutes are always righteous;
    give me understanding that I may live.

–Psalm 119:137-144