It is time for elections in the United States. Most people are aware of the fierce battles and debates for the coveted position of president. People like Clinton, Trump and others promise a lot to attract votes. They play on people’s ability and tendency to change sides (conservatives decide to vote liberal or vice versa). History teaches that people are fickle.
# People are fickle
Even in the time of Christ people changed sides within days. For example, during Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, the people cheered Him.1 A short while later, when He appeared before the Sanhedrin, Pontius Pilate and Herod, His followers fled and the people called for His crucifixion. 2
# God’s wonderful plan
In a sense that fickleness explains God’s wonderful plan. Each person of the human race has a life time to ‘vote’ (on this side of the grave) who he wants for his eternal leader, God or the devil (if you don’t vote you remain in the devil’s camp).
# Smear campaign
Just like in politics, God’s personal enemy smears His character and derides Him (often as a Cosmic Tyrant). 3 He manifests in many voices that call for God’s resignation as Ruler of His Kingdom.
# Knowledge of the two ‘candidates’
In this life we can thoroughly investigate the characters of God and His opponent, the devil. The Bible takes time to explain the differences between the two ‘candidates.’ It shows what each one stands for, and what we can expect from them in the future. We can weigh the two options, God as Leader on the one hand (‘He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just’ 4) and His opponent the devil, on the other (‘the accuser’ 5).
The time to ‘vote’ is on this side of the grave, because in eternity there is no longer democracy. God lets us decide now whether we are willing to accept Him and live now and in future as His children with all the benefits He gives.
References
- Matthew 21:1-11
- Matthew 26:59-68; 27:15-26
- John 12:31;14:30;16:11
- Deuteronomy 32:4
- Revelation 12:10
6 days / 66 books / 6000 years 