Who Is God's Candidate?

Who Is God's Candidate?
by Bud Malmsten

This column could get me excommunicated from the fellowship of... somebody!

But the question haunts this entire election campaign. Who is God's candidate anyway? Then there is question two, How can one determine the answer to question one? I believe there is an answer to question two, but we will get to that later.

Let's talk about who wants to know. It seems that the most intense interest comes from the media types covering the candidates and the election process. They need something to write about every day, and this is a very handy horse to beat. However, the desire to identify one or another individual as "God's Candidate" apparently does not arise out of a sincere desire to support that one, but rather some sinister wish to see him destroyed.

Witness the questions asked in the context: "so, you claim to be a Born Again Christian, how do you explain..." You can fill in the blank; for sure it will refer to some contradiction with standard expected behavior.

For example:

Reporter: "George W., which political philosopher has had the most impact on you?"

G.W.B.: "Jesus Christ."

Response: Derisive laughter and "He is no political philosopher!"

G.W.B.: "You asked the question, and that is my answer."

Do you recall the fallout from that simple exchange? Can you say, "feeding frenzy?"

Anyone who identifies a moral or spiritual base on which he builds his life and politics can expect to have that base savaged.

A major component of the Clinton legacy is the solidification of the compartments in which we Americans live our lives. The Prez's polling data promised him that we would not care what he did in his "private" life, if we perceived him to be "doing a good job." Early 1999 certainly bore that out. Very low approval of W.J.C.'s character, very high approval rating of job performance, acquittal on impeachment charges -- end of story.

Is there a contradiction here? No. Clinton's brash carrying his big Bible to church the same day he was later "dallying" with M. Lewinsky in the Oval Office reinforces the walls between the compartments of life. All Americans know this man will not intentionally call us to moral or spiritual attention. So we can be "free" to live as we please.

It is only when a politician declares that his relationship with God impacts every part of his life, even politics, that we get worried.

Just so we don't stray too far from the question, what does God think about all this? Does He have a candidate? Yes. Does anyone know who that is? I don't think so, not yet.

How can I say that?

Take a look at the New Testament book of Romans, chapter eight: "...for there is no authority that God has not established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." This is the apostle Paul talking about the pagan government of Rome!

Now, the Old Testament book of Jeremiah, chapter 25, verse eight: "Therefore the Lord Almighty says this, '...I will summon ... My servant Nebuchadnezzer, King of Babylon,' declares the Lord." Jeremiah was telling his people about the upcoming destruction of their nation. This was not a popular message.

What is my point? Just this. God has, does, and will, place people of His choosing in positions of power; He does have a candidate. Will that candidate be the nicest man? Will he be the most popular with the religious leaders? Will he even be a believer? We do not know any of that yet.

So what are we supposed to do? Back to the New Testament. I Timothy 2:1-2: "I urge then first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- for kings and all those in authority." In our country there is no authority higher that voters on election day. Pray for every voter, that he and she will faithfully exercise the right to choose. Be sure to cast your own ballot. Then trust God. He will put the right person in office.

We will know November 8, 2000.