Election Eve

Well, the elections are over and the results now finalised. Last week in the lead up, during the height of the media driven campaign, the 'church' was asked whether it should have a political opinion, and if so, how should 'Christians' vote? Apparently there was no single, authoritative answer given, at least not that I heard. Surely it is the duty of a Christian, in a democratic country, to choose carefully, examining the moral and ethical stance of all parties? Surely we must be guided by such things....but apparently not. Do we just accept the claims of both major party leaders, that they are Christians or do we examine their walk, their speech and their integrity before validating their vote-catching claims?
I know that there are powers and agendas at work in politics which go way deeper than we will ever be allowed to see. I know that in these times, Satan has powerful men and stooges where he wants them, throughout the world, in preparation for antichrist to be revealed. The Lord knows. But I pray for and respect our leaders, whether good or evil, as we are commanded in Scripture to do (Romans 13, I Peter 2:13-17, 1 Timonthy 2:1-4) that some may turn and be saved.
We know also from Scripture that man's choice is often not God's choice. This is evident in the choosing of Saul as King, again later after the death of Solomon, when the kingdom was divided on account of Israel choosing Jeroboam, who was not the rightful heir. We ultimately get what we deserve.
There is a sense that hard times are ahead, with rising fuel prices, interest rates and hints of world recession on the horizon. But I dwell on Jesus' words in John 16:33. He has overcome the world, and what is more, He will be back to reign over every nation. We are not to fear the days to come. He is our hiding place and Redeemer. He is our Provider. And although we must live bodily in this world, and go about our business here, remember that we are not global citizens, dear brethren. Our citizenship is in Zion, our kingdom is elsewhere.
Trust Him alone for the times ahead.