With only a week and a few days before the Iowa caucuses, I felt I needed to share this revelation with my friends, acquaintances, and maybe some not-so friends.
Christian: you are under no obligation to vote for a Republican. Neither does it mean you are a heathen if you vote for a Democrat.
There’s nothing holy about the Republican Party, and the Democratic Party isn’t the political party of the antichrist.
I can almost hear what some of you are thinking. But I’ll ignore it for now.
At the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, there was a pro Israel group known as Zealots. One of the original twelve apostles was a Zealot; Simon the Zealot (or Jewish Nationalist).
The Zealots were kind of like some people of our day; people who rile up the populace and take back the country by force if nothing else works. They had stockpiled their arms, recruited and disciplined their troops, and were in the process of taking back their country for God.
Remember Barabbas? He was the one Pilate freed in place of Jesus. He was known as an insurrectionist, a robber, and a murderer. And he was also a Zealot.
He was in prison because of his crimes against the Roman government. Following the Zealot creed, he was doing everything within his power to rid the land of Roman rule AND all Roman forces.
We all know Jesus is as Jewish as it gets. So why didn’t He join forces with the Zealots, making it that much easier to preach His message?
Because of something He said.
Jesus answered (Pilate), “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36 ESV)
The Zealots and Jesus belonged to opposing kingdoms. You wonder how that could possibly be true, when Israel is the apple of God’s eye?
The Lord does not want us violating the principles of His Kingdom in the name of an earthly kingdom, nation, or political party.
Though the Zealots wanted to “Make Israel great again”, they were going about it all wrong.
All wrong.
Jesus reminded Peter of that very thing. “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:11 ESV)
The kingdom of God will not infiltrate and overcome the kingdom of man using man’s wisdom, methods, or arms. Paul said flesh and blood won’t inherit the kingdom of God, and he meant it. And, flesh and blood will NOT make a nation righteous.
Remember Jesus telling the crowd, “A kingdom divided against itself will not stand”? Attempting to mix the “kingdom of America” and the “kingdom of God” is sort of the same thing.
Even though, in my opinion, America would be much better off if God’s Word was followed explicitly. But it won’t be, can’t be, as long as people who are focused on anything but God are in charge.
Neither Republicans or Democrats are in agreement with the kingdom of God EXCLUSIVELY. Or should I say ENTIRELY.
So how do we perform our duty as citizens of this nation, AND, if it’s in our heart to do so, honor the ways and priorities of God’s kingdom?
Once again, we must look at Jesus’ words. Specifically, His prayer.
“Pray after this manner…”Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.”
HIS kingdom HERE, NOT THIS kingdom THERE. A huge difference!
Paul told us to pray for kings and rulers. Why? So things would go well for our nation. But whether they go well or not, we CANNOT change our nation by ignoring God’s principles.
So…
When it’s time to caucus, or vote, do it as a representative of God’s kingdom. No matter which party you’re registered with.
Look at each candidate individually. What do they believe, how do they live, what is their track record, etc.? Do their beliefs and actions in any way coincide with the principles of God’s Kingdom?
If so, that may be the person who should receive your vote.
But you and I must remember, Jesus isn’t a Republican or Democrat. His aim isn’t to make this nation, or any other nation, including Israel, the greatest nation on earth.
What He IS trying to do is make a way for every man, woman, and child to hear and believe the gospel.
Political rhetoric along with human reasonings MAY help a nation change some things for the better. But at BEST, the change is only temporary. Man’s selfish nature will see to that.
But the Kingdom of God is eternal. And that, my friends, should be our focus.
Be a good citizen. Vote. Get involved where you can.
But seek FIRST the Kingdom of God.
And don’t look at your brothers and sisters in Christ, who vote DIFFERENTLY than you, like they’re some sort of two-headed monster.
After all, they may have heard God tell them to vote for “you know who“!
Jan Grace 