"So, What Do You Think?"

For the past few weeks, I've found myself drawn into a variety of conversations with people discussing the presidential election. Regardless of which candidate we supported, the one thing we all agreed upon was a sense of "voter burnout" from the constant bombardment of advertising, debates, fund-raising phone calls, yard signs, bickering and biased pundits, etc.

Now that the election is completed and our nation begins to turn its perspective toward whatever lies in store for us, I received an interesting e-mail this morning with a very simple question: "So, what do you think?"

I think that God truly is El Elyon, the Most High God, whose sovereignty over Creation is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

I think that it's a good thing that our new President Elect has declared his faith in God, and has called upon God's blessing at the conclusion of his acceptance speech (whether or not it was offered in deep sincerity or simply as a cliche closing line for all presidential speeches). I may have some serious concerns about our President Elect's understanding of the implications of the divine standard of morality and the infinite value of all life (especially the mandate to protect the innocent), but I will pray for him and all of our leaders as they seek to fulfill their responsibilities and serve the people.

I think all followers of Christ should earnestly pray together for our newly elected officials, just as we have been instructed: "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

I think our leaders -- both past and present -- deserve our respect, just as we have been instructed: "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." (Romans 13:1-2)

And I think that our President Elect is facing an almost impossible situation as he steps forward to lead a nation that is engaged in two foreign wars, is struggling with economic confusion and loss, is embroiled in a bitter conflict of ideals and world views, and so much more. Yet I believe that our leaders serve not merely at the pleasure of the people but ultimately at the pleasure of God. As one ancient king observed after God had humbled him dramatically, "...The Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world. He gives them to anyone he chooses—even to the lowliest of people... His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal. All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’" (Daniel 4:17, 34-35)