The Votes Are In

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. (1 Tim 2:1-2 NRSV)

The ballots have been cast and the results are in. Just about everyone who voted has a reason to be happy and they also probably have a reason to be not so happy. Happiness is not what elections are about. Electing leaders is what elections are about. The only thing then that is left for us to do is to pray then that our elected leaders will do what is best for the people; for the country as a whole.

Regardless; whether we appreciate the results or not, we do have some new leadership in our country. Let us pray and support our elected leaders. If we disagree with any of them or all of them, let us disagree peaceably, without false accusations or threats. Spreading gossip, lies, or making false accusations about our elected officials does not help the state of the union. Working together will.

May God grant that we should live in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Threats? So What Of It?

     At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”
     He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! (Luke 13:31-35 NIV)

Run! Herod wants to kill you, some Pharisees had warned Jesus. Oh well! Whatever! Jesus had a mission and he was not going to run from Herod. He would continue driving out demons and healing people until he reached his goal. His goal was the cross. He was going to die, so what difference did it make whether Herod was looking to kill him or not. He wasn't about to let a few threats dissuade him from continuing the work he was called to do.

Personally, I get a bit weary of the threats. I am not Jesus. But, he is with me and gives me the strength to continue onward wherever he will call or send me. I will continue to proclaim the Good news. I will continue to pray in the spirit. I will continue. He has led me this far. He is with me always. He will lead me home. I know that even though Jesus' journey took him to death on the cross; it also took him through death to the Kingdom of God where he reigns. So, threats may wear me down a bit, but they will not strike me down completely. I will continue with faith and hope toward the goal, by the power of the Holy Spirit, even if it includes a journey to the cross.

God's Peace - Pr. J