Vote

I Samuel 8:19-20 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."

Normally I don’t have firm political stands, if you chose side “A” then my natural reaction is to argue for side “B.” However, in the next room I may debate for side “A” if the mood of the room is for side “B.” (There are a few politicians that I cannot stand beside, no matter the sparring partner.) I have some interesting conversations with #2 Son about government, laws, and politics. Talking with him, instead of taking sides, it’s considering whether any government is needed. He argues that there are some people who will do the right thing whether or not there are laws in place, and conversely there are people who will do the wrong thing which no law will influence or deter. #2 Son would have been in the minority of the Israelites who decided that they needed a king to rule over them. I suppose as a federal employee I’m a bit biased in favor of some government. Today we elect our next President for the next four years.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You rule with mercy, wisdom and justice. Let us seek leaders for our nation and for our congregation who mirror those same attributes. Let us choose leaders not strictly by familiarity or family ties, but by weighing in favor of the good of the entire body. Let us remember that despite our compliance to earthly kings, you are Lord of all. We surrender our lives to your authority and seek to be devoted citizens of your kingdom. Amen

I Samuel 10:23-24 They ran and brought him out, and as he stood among the people he was a head taller than any of the others. Samuel said to all the people, "Do you see the man the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people."
Then the people shouted, "Long live the king!"