Go to Main Page

 

Return to Bible Digest Page

© Daniel Valles.  May be reproduced for non-profit purposes only, citing the author and source. 

 

"Does God vote? - Part I"
Daniel Valles

READ I Samuel 16

Recently, as we hear the clamor over the election candidates, it seems that everyone has their two cents on who should be voted for and how we should vote. I have heard people say we should vote on principle. Some have said that we should only vote for one of the top two parties since otherwise would be a waste. Some have even said that they wished that was not so, but the third-party candidates have no money, no plan, etc. Others point out structure and organization problems. So who should be vote for? Should we vote?

As Christians, whenever we have a questions (especially one of such magnitude), first we need to pray and examine the Word. Have their been historical examples where God gave His 'vote'? While much of the leadership recorded in the Bible is either monarchy or theocracy, there were still leaders chosen. In several instances, God specifically did the choosing.

I am reminded of when God chose David to be king (1 Sam. 16). It is interesting that the chapter starts off with God reminding Samuel that He had rejected Saul as king. When the people had started to clamor for a king just like the other nations, God warned them of the dangers that would fall on them. They did not listen, and God picked out Saul and gave them exactly what they wanted. It grieved Him to give them the king that they wanted, but they had chosen to reject God's counsel.
Now Samuel was going to anoint the next king. Unfortunately, he started looking for the exact same characteristics that were in Saul. He was looking for what could be termed "a real man" - someone who looked like a natural-born leader. He even said that Eliab was 'the one'. God then had to remind Samuel that God looks on the heart, not the outward appearance (vs.7).