An Election Prayer

• Posted on sdgale
• in 'CHOP Talk' Blog
• on November 5, 2012
• No Comments.

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:16–23, ESV)

A godly man, gifted teacher and friend of mine, T. M. Moore, issued an important election-eve reminder through his ministry blog.

In just a few short hours Americans will bring to a welcome conclusion the current round of political campaigning. The polls will close, the votes will be counted, and somewhere around 50% of the population will be madder than hornets.

Whatever the outcome, however, this much is certain: The Kingdom of God will continue its irresistible advance against the darkness of unbelief and sin (Dan. 2.44, 45; 1 Jn. 2.8).

Tuesday’s election outcome will neither dampen nor boost the Kingdom’s sure increase. God Himself moves His rule forward amid the nations and cultures of the world, and He does not require the aid of, nor does He falter because of opposition from, political persons or parties.

Let us not be driven either to elation or despair over the outcome of this election. We who have set our minds on the things that are above, where Christ is seated in the heavenly places, know what our business is to be, regardless of which party wins leadership in our national elections. We know our agenda and we possess power to pursue it which no government can take away and none dare try to resist.

What a great reminder!  The outcome of the election neither helps nor hinders the growth or work of the kingdom of God and His Christ.  Our role as Christ’s church will not be altered whoever wins.  Our resources will not be diminished whatever happens.  Our responsibility will not be recast in any way.

It is easy for Christians to be caught up in the vitriolic debate of the campaigns.  Especially when there are issues we feel so strongly about.  But the hope of kingdom righteousness and preservation of biblical truth does not hinge on elected officials.  It depends completely on the risen Lord who will build His church and whose rule extends beyond national boundaries, beyond governmental forms and beyond seasonal elections.  He has no term limit.

Paul’s prayer from Ephesians 1 reproduced above serves as an election prayer for us as Christ’s church.  It functions as an election prayer not in respect to the outcome of the election, that is, who will win.  Rather, it is a prayer for us as citizens of heaven—that we would remember that Christ is on the throne.  All authority on heaven and earth has been bestowed upon Him. His redemptive kingdom is growing to fill the earth.  He is with us till the end of the age when His kingdom will be ushered in in fullness.

Enter the voting booth to cast your vote.  Enter your prayer closet to lift your voice to Him who holds the nations in His hands, who directs the hearts of kings, who raises up and brings down governments, who is called “King of kings and Lord of lords.”