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Politicians often come to power not because the people wanted them but because most of the people who would have kept them out of power didn't care enough to vote. The Bible has a word for election day. It is a word that should motivate you to go and vote! Return with me to a time thousands of years ago in the newly formed state of Israel. When they occupied their Promised Land the new nation was set up as a theocracy. This "government by God" was done in the following way - The Priestly tribe was the custodian of the divinely inspired Law. The tablets of stone were cherished in the most holy place they had. But the priests were not given the legal function. This was the work of the ruling judges who were men and women who came to power from any of the other tribes. A further check & balance to the system was added by the preaching of a devout group called the prophets. These three diverse influences had to be held in perpetual tension for a theocracy to work. National leadership constantly had to weigh decisions against the known will of God. The question was "is it right" not just "is it expedient". In the latter days of Samuel's reign as judge the people were dissatisfied with his unwise appointment of his unworthy sons as new judges. The people's voice was heard. They not only threw out his choice of rulers but elected to change the entire system of government. Samuel complained to God but the Lord respected the free will of the people. The people wanted a form of government just like the nations around them. The pull is still the same - those in the nation who want a secular state versus those who want government steered by holy principles. The people had spoken and Samuel was heart-broken. Behind all this there was the sad, and for the future - ominous word from God "They have not rejected you Samuel, they have rejected me as their ruler". This is still the issue in every election - a choice for or against high morals. Go and vote for you must choose candidates who will stand for the high moral principles on which this nation was founded as "One nation UNDER God". Go and vote! But some say I have confidence in neither candidate - All the more reason to go vote for even a spoiled ballot where you cross out both names sends a message to the politicians. No vote is ever wasted. (unless you're in a state that prevents this option) Go and vote because indifference makes you as guilty of bringing bad government on a nation as does corruption. The one thing Godly people cannot afford to do is - nothing!
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