07Nov
Which set of rulers, Democrat or Republican, will reign over us next?
America’s resistance to being ruled by a king can be readily seen in Virginia’s State Flag. Notice how the Roman goddess Virtus (Virtue) gets depicted holding a sword and a spear. Underneath the foot of Virtus is Tyranny, representing the state’s defeat of Great Britain.
A crown lying on the ground is Virginia’s release from the control of Great Britain. The broken chain held by Tyranny is the freedom of Virginia from Britain’s control of expansion and trade. In Tyranny’s other hand, a whip is rendered useless, representing the state’s freedom from acts of punishment by the British. The seal also features the motto “Sic Semper turannis,” which means “Thus always to tyrants.”
But apparently, things have changed since then. If you listen to our conversations, hear how we speak, act and think, it’s as if we genuinely believe the majority party we elect gets to hold ultimate sway over us rather than Christ. One set of candidates, those receiving our votes naturally, represent “Virtue,” while the opposition represents “Tyranny.” “Christ” as a Name gets relegated to Sunday, a byword, more or less. Our attention appears to be fixated exclusively on which set of kings, Democrats or Republicans will rule over us next. And we’ve grown to be ok with that.
That position not only sells the Gospel short but is dangerous, similar to the Israelites who rejected God’s Kingship in preference for an earthly king.
But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the Lord. The Lord answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.”
Please don’t misunderstand; I’m adamantly supporting specific candidates with certain firmly held positions. The freedom to vote is an incredible privilege not to be taken for granted. I look forward to exercising that freedom Tuesday. But I’m learning to maintain a Biblical perspective that my God, not my candidate, alone can save me and save the state of this country. It’s important to remember, “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Col. 1:16-17.
There are a few pieces of advice I would like to leave with you before November 8th:
Before you vote, slowly read over the book of Colossians two or three times. Request to see through the clear lens of Christ, not a blurred lens that’s tinted red or blue, for those to best represent us. |
King Louis XIV reigned for a long time in France many years ago. Incredibly, he reigned for 72 years! Unfortunately, that long reign only inflated his pride and self-intoxication. He was remembered as a selfish king who considered himself the god of the people. But things were brought back to reality when he died. At his funeral, which was held in a massive-sized cathedral, he was laid to rest in a golden coffin filled with jewels. There was one solitary candle burning on his casket. As the service moved along, the bishop appointed to preside over his funeral stepped forward to begin his address. And before saying anything, he approached the solitary candle, blew it out in front of everyone, and said, “Only God is great!” |
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