4 Nov, 2008
Obama, McCain battle across campaign's closing day
The presidential candidates are capping a history-making campaign with a dash from Florida through a half-dozen other crucial states as John McCain tries for an upset over Barack Obama.
All that's left now is for the campaigns to make sure people vote, unleashing an unprecedented get-out-the-vote campaigns. The candidates were sprinting across time zones and states in eleventh-hour bids to get to the magic number of 270 electoral votes which is the total needed to seal the presidency.
"We cannot afford to slow down or sit back or let up," Obama told voters at an evening rally in Cincinnati. "We need to win an election on Tuesday."
In New Hampshire, McCain held his last town hall meeting of the 2008 campaign. "I come to the people of New Hampshire to ask them to let me go on one more mission," McCain said in Peterborough.
Associated Press writer Nedra Pickler contributed to this report from Cincinnati. Associated Press Writer Laurie Kellman contributed to this report from Washington.
New President, Same King
Honoring our new President is part of honoring our God
Proverbs 24:21
21 My son, fear the Lord and the king,
and do not join with those who do otherwise, (ESV)
What Does God's Story scripture teach us about living under earthly authority?
Today, millions of Americans will head to the voting booths to let their voice be heard...something that everyone should do. Christians especially should be the best represented group of voters. Why?...because this allows us to express a Biblical viewpoint on many critical topics in our culture today.
But when the last ballot has been cast and the votes have all been counted...regardless of how it goes...the United States will have a new President. At that point, it becomes critical for Christ followers everywhere to understand how God's Word calls us to respond and apply it to our lives. We need to know that the Bible says that...
- We are to honor the king. Whether you live under the rule of a king, an emperor or a president...you are called to respect those who have been placed in authority over you. Romans 13:1 tells us that everyone must submit themselves to the governing authorities. This is true whether you like them or not. It is also true whether they are a Christian or not.
- God has placed them in authority over us. Now, this one may be hard for some of us to understand. Our finite minds can not comprehend why God would allow some of the evil leaders that have ruled to do so...but His Word is clear. That same verse in Romans 13 goes on to say that no authority exists except that which God has established. God is in control and when we can't understand it, we just need to trust Him.
- We are not to join in on conversations or actions that disrespect our authorities. Today's scripture from Proverbs makes that quite clear.
- We are always to obey God above any earthly authorities. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are just a few examples of men who were willing to obey their king...until they were asked to disobey their God. It is at this point...and this point only...that the Bible calls us to go against our earthly authorities.
How does God's Story connect with my story?
I don't know if you will be happy with today's results or not. Either way, let's be Christ-followers who...
- Pray for our leaders. Our God both hears and answers our prayers. Whether they are someone you voted for or not, let us be a people who lifts them up to a God who can direct them!
- Ask God to help you speak only respectful comments about your leaders. Does this mean you have to agree with everything they do or say? No. But if God calls us to respect our leaders, then maybe our moms had it right when they said, "If you can't say something nice..." (you know the rest).
- Spend some time praising God today that He is your King. Though we operate, for now, under the authority of our earthly rulers, our home is really not of this world...and our King is the King of kings!
How does today's story, God's story and my story connect with others?
- Regardless of who the president will be, you will certainly have the opportunity to not join in the disrespectful conversations that will happen around you. This is yet another opportunity for you to be noticeably different as you respectfully obey those God has placed in authority over you.
- What a great opportunity today to talk with others about who is in "control". All of your friends will be talking about how this is true for either the Republicans or the Democrats...but you can share with them, respectfully, how it doesn't change all that much for you. If you are happy with the election, you still don't place your hope in that person because your hope is ultimately in God. If you are unhappy with the election, you still have peace for the same reason! We may have a new president...but we still have the same King!
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