Harvest of Asher
Akko, Israel
Elections Again!
As I write this, Israeli citizens are once again called to the polls to vote in yet another election (the fifth in less than four years due to parliamentary “gridlock”). Paul’s words in Romans 13 are still relevant. “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Romans 13:1 NKJV).
As we see darkness, evil, hatred and violence grow in our societies and on our streets; it can be difficult to know which way to turn. Anger, bitterness and judgement are spewed out from the television and radio from political figures and newscasters alike. How can we know whom to trust when the very people who should be uniting us are creating division?
In Israel, politicians often try to gain traction by pitting one sector of society against another: Jew vs. Arab, orthodox vs. secular, left vs. right, rich vs. poor, you name it. How can we continue to stand under the weight of it all? How can we maintain our footing in the midst of terrorism, natural disasters, wars, skyrocketing prices and the many other needs of the people? We who find our citizenship in Yeshua should have some of the answers. First and foremost, our trust, help and deliverance is in Him; this is a certainty. How would our Father have us look at those who govern us and what does Yeshua have to say on the subject? Here are a few of the Scriptures we can use to be our guide as the Holy Spirit directs each of us on how to vote; along with other major decisions concerning society and our moral obligations one to another.
A Basic Scriptural Voting Guide:
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
“And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.” (Jeremiah 29:7)
“Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:17)
“The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” (Proverbs 21:1)
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
