Pastor’s Pen for November 2024
As we enter November, the first Tuesday in 2024 is a Presidential Election Day. What are we going to do with that? I think everyone knows that I don’t preach my politics, and of course I will not do so in this message to you, but I will share an important connection of what Scripture tells us that will hopefully help. This passage comes from the apostle Paul:
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.” (Romans 13:1–7, NLT)
We are called to respect and honor the authorities that are placed above us! How weird is that, especially when folks from the “other” party wins? Throughout the history of our nation, with the bedrock of our Constitution, we as a government or nation have erred, and even made official apologies for events that have occurred:
However, the incredible thing is that we have acknowledged our mistakes and sought to move forward in a positive manner. Some might also think that our present situation is the “WORST” it has ever been between political parties, but that is not so. Many Americans feel we’re living through an extraordinarily divided time. But historian Heather Cox Richardson says there’s precedent for our conflicts today and for the hope that we can overcome them. Reporter Judy Woodruff recently sat down with Richardson for her series, America at a Crossroads to discuss America’s current divisions to the past and how we can overcome them
But beyond all of this, if we believe that God in Christ is sovereign, then we must believe that whatever happens is part of God’s plan. Our job is to with our vote, and with our faith seek God’s will in everything. But, regardless of who wins or loses, we are called to remain optimistic, joyful, and positive because God is ensuring that:
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:28–39, NLT)
This passage gives us the CERTAINTY that God isn’t leaving anything to chance, but is enacting a plan for each of us, which is GOOD! Therefore, on November 6, 2024, let us rejoice that the sun will rise, birds will chirp, our kids will go to school, and the dishes will need to be washed. Let us also, pray for the President-elect, and do what we can do to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Peace and Blessings in Jesus Christ, Pastor Bob
