This article puts the “personal” in Personal Update. Neither a Bible study nor a research paper, I hope to introduce to you, Gracious Reader, my framework and approach regarding voting and elections. Headlines covering elections from around the world regularly populate our news cycle, and in November, votes will be cast to determine the next president of the United States of America. What follows is easily adaptable to whatever elections you vote in, and it also provides what might be described as “flash cards” that are useful in conversations with family and friends.
In 2004, George W. Bush (Republican) and John Kerry (Democrat) battled to win the presidential election. My senior Calculus class asked me (all my students know I am easily distracted), “Who do you like in the presidential race?” Some seniors were eligible to vote, while others were merely curious. I cast my first vote for a presidential candidate during my senior year in high school. “I pretty much like everybody, and that is not the question you should consider. Instead, prioritize three issues or policies and research the position of each candidate. Whichever candidate most closely aligns with your priorities and positions earns your vote.” The class enthusiastically participated in a conversation using this re-framing of the question.
So what are my (four) priorities? I look to the Bible for guidance and what follows are verses which point to the sort of candidate I can get excited about. None of the following verses specifically or contextually address elections. The system of democracy is absent in the pages of the Bible. Instead, the verses point to what is important to God and so it is important to me.
ISRAEL:
I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Genesis 12:3
God promises a blessing for those who bless the descendants of Abraham, namely the Jews. The Jewish people and the nation of Israel have been heated topics throughout history, and with the brutal attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, a new urgency exists. God foretold of these difficult times.
And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.
Zechariah 12:3
When casting my vote, I always consider the candidate’s position on the existence of Israel and how to address the scourge of antisemitism that abounds. God promises a blessing on the people and on the nation who first bless the people and the nation of Israel.
LIFE:
Abortion and the death penalty have been unavoidable topics during my entire life. I took Advanced Placement Biology while a senior in high school, and for one week, we turned our classroom into a courtroom. I served as the judge while classmates represented one side or the other of the debate. I grew up when the question was in play rather than the positions firmly set. And while the death penalty is the less ubiquitous of the two issues, headlines and protests over the past fifty years point to a divided electorate on this issue.
Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.
Genesis 9:6
That seems clear enough for me. And while Genesis 12:3 is part of God establishing His covenant with Abram (Abraham), this verse is included in the narrative when God is establishing His covenant with Noah. These must be important principles for me to consider when deciding on a candidate.
Regarding the death penalty, with advances in forensics (especially DNA testing), many convictions have been overturned. The August 10, 2024 edition of the DAILY NEWS carried the following front-page headline: “FAILED BY JUSTICE: Man free after doing 16 yrs. for slay he didn’t commit.” A sixteen-year incarceration for a crime you did not commit is tragic (although the apostle Paul might see it differently!) Had the man received the death penalty, the matter would be an even greater miscarriage of our justice system.
SEPARATION OF POWERS:
The United States Constitution establishes three co-equal and independent branches of government. My high school civics class explained it thus:
- The Legislative Branch makes the laws
- The Executive Branch enforces the laws
- The Judicial Branch interprets the laws
I hardly recognize this in today’s American politics, but it nonetheless makes sense. No branch or, party or individual holds all the power. For nearly 250 years, no dictator reigned from Washington DC. Fascinating to watch are the struggles all politicians face when trying to follow through on campaign promises or to achieve agendas. And while I have no evidence that the fathers of this tripartite system relied on the following verse, they certainly could have.
For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us.
Isaiah 33:22
God hints at the three functions of governing, of which He is the only One qualified!
HOLINESS AND JUSTICE
I think I heard a couple of “yups” and even an “amen” during the previous sections. This final section is the verse that seems to trip up everybody. Malachi closes the Old Testament canon and writes:
And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, and against those who turn away an alien— Because they do not fear Me,” says the Lord of hosts.
Malachi 3:5
Everybody finds something in this verse they like and something of which they are not so fond. Such is the duality of holiness and justice. One side is eager to address the future of the sinner, while the other side only sees the need of today. God seems concerned with both. The liveliest political conversations come from this verse. Is there a candidate who stands for the moral truth of the Bible while also addressing the situation of the worker, the needy, and the stranger? That is a tough one, and when I find such a candidate, I will be eager to give my support.
CONCLUSION
God’s people have survived the Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Haman, Herod, Nero, Hitler and will survive today’s politicians. A few passages for your consideration.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright. Save, Lord! May the King answer us when we call.
Psalm 20:7-9
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:1-3
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Philippians 3:20-21
These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for HE IS LORD OF LORDS AND KING OF KINGS; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”
Revelation 17:14
I hope this article provides both perspective and encouragement.
