Voting: How about God?

Our main text is from Judges 8:22,23.

Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son's son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian. And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.

And from 1 Samuel 8:7.

And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; 20 That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles (1 Samuel 8:19,20).

And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, [Nay], but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands (1 Samuel 10:19).

When we speak about electing someone, or voting for someone what are we doing? Simply, voting means a wish, choice, or an opinion. This is usually expressed by a ballot. Even in the words that are used like election and choose these are applied to the Bible's description concerning salvation.

As far as this country is concerned let me take you back for some complete understanding of voting and elections. Let's look at what our Father has said in His word about this subject. If you have been with us, for any time, you might understand that we endeavor to be complete and thorough in our studies. We always try to use both Old and New Testaments. Some have stated that they see no real need for the Old Testament, but the question must be asked is it not His word as well as the New Testament? And if you think not why do you still quote it and read from it? So lets look at some scriptures that are God's Holy Word to His people. Genesis 37:8 Joseph and his dreams and the fact that his brothers did not what him to reign over them.

And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

Exodus 2:14 here is speaking of Moses, and that was he elected to rule over the people.

And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

Joshua 24:15 who will you decide to have rule over you? Who will you serve? In times like that we should say with David after he numbered the people from Dan to beer-she-ba, and God had placed a mighty plague among the people this is found in 2 Samuel 24:14.

And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies [are] great: and let me not fall into the hand of man (2 Samuel 24:14).

1 Kings 18:21 we must make a decision as the verse states. We see also in Judges 9:8-15 a parable or analogy of the shifting of power and making alliance with the wicked. Let's look now at Psalm 66:12.

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy [place].

God allowed men to ride over them. Why? Look at 1 Samuel 8:7 for the answer.

Again, because of 1 Samuel 8:7 Isaiah makes this statement in Isaiah 26:13.

O LORD our God, [other] lords beside thee have had dominion over us: [but] by thee only will we make mention of thy name.

Do you see something here so far? It's the continual coming back over and over again to who? God! The one that has the right to rule over us. He is fit and again the only one to rule Psalm 67:4. It should all be upon Him through the Son our Lord and God Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:6,7). Matthew 2:6 says, Christ alone is the true ruler or governor. God puts men in power and he can take them out again (Genesis 42:6; 1 Samuel 2:10; Daniel 4:25 b; Luke 1:52). Men make men rulers. The men God would choose must be Godly men. Those that happen to be in power should rule in the fear of God (Leviticus 25:42).

We're not saying we despise government, but for those in the United States we are supposed to be protected under the "Bill of Rights." The first amendment that became part of the constitution in 1791 says, "…congress will make no laws that take away people's right to demonstrate in a peaceful manner to complain to the government…." We are not, as 2 peter 2:10 says.

But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

This word government here means power, dominion, lordship. In Titus 3:1 it says.

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work….

This is speaking of the government and in Jude 8.

We also see in Matthew 22:21 Jesus' statement about the Christian attitude towards government and towards God.

They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

And Paul also reiterates this in Romans 13:7.

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

As does Peter in 1 Peter 2:13-15.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

What if that ruling government or leaders are wicked, corrupt, and is introducing evil laws? Forcing people that are committed to our Lord Jesus to do things unlawful or immoral? We must resist. We must as Romans 12:21 says, be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Let me ask you a question. Was there ever anyone in the scriptures that out right disobeyed a government, king, or law? Yes! Before we look at the documentation for that another question should be asked. Would this be substantial evidence to commit such an act? Again, yes! If that law, king, or government asks you to violate, morally, physically, or spiritually any law or command that has been set down by God Almighty! What do we mean? What are we saying?

What we're saying and mean is this. As a Christian serving God through Jesus Christ our Lord it is our duty to disobey any law, president, king, ruler, or government that asks or requires us to do, and knowingly participate in any contrary acts, laws, or decrees with the revealed will of God as set forth in His Holy Word. The proofs are as follows Exodus 1:17; Daniel 3:1,4-6, 16-18; Hebrews 11:23; Acts 5:9.

We are to pray for those in power (1 Timothy 2:2; Leviticus 25:46 and Exodus 22:28). There the word "gods" means judges or kings. God has allowed men to come into power For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil. Just as in the era of the wicked kings of Israel, because of the backsliding and rebellion against God. And when things got bad God had to rule as in Ezekiel 20:33 and as Joel 2:17 says, and for good as we see in the following.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore [ye] must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake (Romans 13:1-5).

Judges 8:23 should be our cry.

And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.

The point we are trying to make you see, beloved, is nowhere in scripture do we see a teaching or command to elect someone to rule over us except God! If we can not have Jesus rule over us--physically as president—now; however, we will later (1 Cornthians 15:24; Jude 25; Revelation 1:6, 2:27, 19:15).

The point is are you willing to have God now, and in the future, to rule over you and not man? Are you ready to have Jesus come and rule? Do you desire Him to come? Do you see in past history as it is today that no man is able to rule over men adequately? The only one worthy is Christ Jesus the Lord. Oh, pray that He would come and give you understanding of this.

The challenge of the day is this at any time will you go to the polls and vote or choose man and not God? Are you willing to understand that you can't do anything to bring anyone into office or remove them? It's all in the divine hands of God. We're not asking for you to give up your right to vote; just that you would put your vote to the only lasting source of leadership and stability God our Father. This year, or in years to come, will you reject each time you vote for a man God from ruling over you? What will you say to Him that knows all things in that day when we all stand before Him to give an account? What will you answer for your decision to elect man and not God?

May God Almighty Himself through the grace of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit help you this day!

Amen?

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