August 17, 2021 Good afternoon ” Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ” Romans 12:2-3 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1
” But as ambassadors, our exclusive allegiance is to God’s nation and its king, Jesus. As God’s Kingdom ambassadors we do not believe in political leaders who introduce themselves as saviours because our only Saviour is Jesus . ” Cesar Garcia, from What is God’s Kingdom ? .The election has been called. Mr. Trudeau met the Governor General on Sunday and the election will be held on September 20. If you choose to vote, who will get your check mark ? How have you traditionally voted in the past ? What gets your attention ? Cesar Garcia, the executive secretary of Mennonite World Conference, invited us in our recent book study to be a different kind of community. By taking on issues of justice and peace, we become political. What are the important issues facing our country today ? We can ask the politicians questions. About solving poverty ? Arms sales to Saudi Arabia ? Protecting our environment and farmers ? Indigenous issues ? What else do you want to talk about to the people running for office ? I trust the government, but that does not mean that I stand for injustices toward any people in Canada. I trust the government, but I do not give them a blank slate for just anything. The two passages from Romans seem opposite. We must use our minds and wisdom to live lives worthy of following Jesus. The government is set up by God, but the leaders might not act as they should, and then we might call them back to ruling with justice and peace. Prayer Dear God, We pray for our country as it decides on its leadership May all the leaders act with equality to the stranger the refugee the poor the sick and all others who are at risk. AMEN. Fred
Soaring like Vultures lifted up by unseen Hands Trust, silent enters my fears Monica Pieper Landoni 2021
