President Obama and the Daily Distribution

[Russell Roberts]

Setting aside the issue of abortion (which was the deciding factor for my vote), what might Christians take away from last night's election? This morning I have been mulling over the election, the jubilation on the faces of the victors, the role of the media, the lies told by various candidates or interested parties, etc.

Having been active on a couple of Christian message boards over the last couple of months I have seen a lot of venom spewed by supporters on both sides but particularly from the side of the McCain camp. Despite my efforts to steer them towards a scriptural worldview, most rejected the scriptural truth that God raises up whom he chooses. After all, God raised up Pharoah for his purpose. This is not an attempt to denigrate either candidate, it's simply to acknowledge the fact that God has everything under control. Nothing can happen that is outside of his providence.

Having said that, what are the positive aspects of the election? That's right, I said positive aspects. When we stop to consider scripture, we find in Acts a situation in the early Church in Jerusalem where the widows included in the group of Greek speaking Jews were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The solution? The Apostles appointed Greek speaking Jews to oversee the daily distribution.

Presumably, this solution resolved the problem as we hear nothing more about it. Few intellectually honest Americans would deny that the black population in the United States has been the target of oppression whether by the local or national government or by personal racial discrimination. This, I think, has resulted in a situation where many blacks have come to despise whites, whether justifiable or not to the point that the policies of the respective candidates was much less important last night than the color of the candidates skin.

I listened to an audio in which a reporter put the policies of McCain in Obama's mouth and asked black individuals in Harlem if they agreed with the stated policies. Mistakenly believing they actually were Obama's policies, without exception, they endorsed the position. But what is important here is that a large group of Americans who have historically been oppressed now feel as though they have a vested interest in America - just like the Greek speaking Jews in the first century Church.

Maybe this is what America needs to move forward. The President, like a flag, is a symbol behind which the citizens of a country should be able to come together in unity. As Christians our devotion to Jesus Christ must transcend political and even national affiliations lest we repeat the mistakes of the Pharisees.

Regardless of the results of the election, the point is that NOW the black population of America feels as though they have a vested interest in this country. Maybe we could actually rejoice with them about this facet of the election.

[paul]

Well put Irthnvest....

I pray that it indeeds takes us across the racial divide. I often wonder if we try to maniopulate God by using fleshly ( carnal nature) approaches.

I believe strongly that God has and has had an eternal destiny on us as individuals and our nation as well. I believe that God know's if we have done our part in this destiny. If so then I know with out doubt that He and He alone is in control.

With the election behind us, possibly now we can get on with the task before us. Reflecting the character of God and demonstrating His glorious power to change man's heart.

[Russell Roberts]

Thank you brother Paul.

[RamboPreacher]

God is sovereign.
and unfortunately, I can't get passed the abortion issue. My prayers continue and will increase for the people that have the lives of the unborn and newly born children in their hands (literally) - that will be murdered in the next few years - that God will be able to reach them and be real in their lives and hearts.

As to the topic, and in very brief - I like what you said, but again, unfortunately, it is not really applicable, as we don't live/work/play/etc... in a theocratic society. so the application can't be that wide-reaching. at the local church/village/kibbutz level, it can absolutely apply.

[Russell Roberts]

God is sovereign.
and unfortunately, I can't get passed the abortion issue. My prayers continue and will increase for the people that have the lives of the unborn and newly born children in their hands (literally) - that will be murdered in the next few years - that God will be able to reach them and be real in their lives and hearts.

As to the topic, and in very brief - I like what you said, but again, unfortunately, it is not really applicable, as we don't live/work/play/etc... in a theocratic society. so the application can't be that wide-reaching. at the local church/village/kibbutz level, it can absolutely apply.

Rambo,

I don't think the fact that we don't live in a theocracy undermines my point of God's soveriegnty or the point that blacks will now feel as if they have a vested interest in this country.

It was more clearly understood in the first century that the gospel announcement was a direct confrontation to all claims of power. Jesus is Lord, not Caesar. Jesus is Savior, not Caesar. The modern day equivalent might be "Jesus is President, not Obama." If we understand the claim of Lordship by Jesus, we have no reason for despair.

For Paul, the lack of despair was one characteristic he listed as evidence that his ministry reflected the Glory of God. He was pressed and crushed on every side but his response to it was perseverance and hope...keeping his eye on the unseen things.

We should do the same.

[RamboPreacher]

okay. i thought we were talking about daily distribution.

[Russell Roberts]

Nope. Just thought that was a scriptural example of a situation where the solution to someone feeling left out was establishing leadership that had an affinity to the offended party.

[SBW]

Good way to look at it irthnvesl. If there is any good to come out of this election, maybe that is it.

In fact, my boss and I had a similar conversation this morning.

I noticed something this morning that I thought I would share. About 90% of our factory floor hourly workers are African Americans. This morning they came in happy, talking and laughing loud, jovial and in an all around great mood. My office has a window that overlooks the entire plant floor. There was so much noise this morning before the whisle blew, I got up and looked out the window to see what was going on. I saw people all over the place laughing and talking.

Don't misunderstand me though.....I am 100% republican...former member of the Young Republicans.

[Russell Roberts]

Thank you SBW. I suspect the scene you saw will be repeated innumerable times across America today. I voted for McCain but it honestly does my heart good to see them finally feel like they play a part.

[deb]

Despite my efforts to steer them towards a scriptural worldview, most rejected the scriptural truth that God raises up whom he chooses. After all, God raised up Pharoah for his purpose. This is not an attempt to denigrate either candidate, it's simply to acknowledge the fact that God has everything under control. Nothing can happen that is outside of his providence.

Having said that, what are the positive aspects of the election?

I posted these Scriptures on a blog along with a "vote" clipart:

Isn't it good to know today and every day...

Psalm 99:1 The LORD reigns...

Psalm 145:3 Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.

Colossians 1:13-17 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Daniel 2:20-21 … "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

[Russell Roberts]

Thank you Deb. My point exactly.

[crispfin]

Having been active on a couple of Christian message boards over the last couple of months I have seen a lot of venom spewed by supporters on both sides but particularly from the side of the McCain camp. Despite my efforts to steer them towards a scriptural worldview, most rejected the scriptural truth that God raises up whom he chooses. After all, God raised up Pharoah for his purpose. This is not an attempt to denigrate either candidate, it's simply to acknowledge the fact that God has everything under control. Nothing can happen that is outside of his providence.

My mind's been going on this also. To add something else to this, God had been dealing with me about my lack of prayer for political leaders I disagreed with. Yeah, I knew it was in the scripture (I Timothy 2:1-2) that I must pray for all leaders. And God didn't give me an out 'cuz I didn't like the guy. I'm certain Paul, as a member of an occupied people, would certainly not have chosen the emperor as his political leader. Yet he still urged Christians to pray for him and all their leaders. That's what I've resolved to do, and I hope all my fellow brothers and sisters will join me. President Obama definitely needs God's guidance and wisdom to help him face our nation's challenges.

[MacUser]

I'm already praying for Obama as we are instructed. That he would change his radical views that few understand.

Remember God allows us the ability to chose individually and collectively. That very concept stumps non believers. Most intellectuals believe that God should enforce his GOOD will, not allow free will. It does stump them but that is another discussion.

Collective decisions or popular votes DO NOT equal what is right or wrong or endorsed by God. It simply shows the majority of the collective decision. Our collective decision neither reflects on what God endorses but allows.

But regardless.. we Christians must be able to show the fruits of the spirit and show Jesus regardless of whom holds what position of man's power because we know and answer to the highest power. If there has ever been a time for revival it is now.

Reap the Harvest while still available.

[crispfin]

BTW, irthnvesl, good to see you posting again.

[Russell Roberts]

Thanks brother. I'll try to keep the volume down.