2000-11-06 - Politics and Popularity

John 8:31 "Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed in Him, 'If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine.'"

There are two candidates who want your vote. They are both soliciting you to their side. One is named Satan. He has millions of friends. In fact his numbers probably outnumber those of his opponent. He is proud, prone to flattery, falsehood, and other means of keeping and winning your vote. The other is Jesus Christ. He is the only begotten Son of God most high. He is faithful. His love is true, and infinite.

Millions hear the two debate each other. Satan emphasizes that he has always fought for his followers liberty and freedom. He reminds the listeners that he has always focused on their pleasure, wealth, and enjoyment of this world. He says that he has always tried to get people to enjoy all the delights that are around them. "Follow your heart," he says. Don't withhold yourself from pleasure, pursue it. He reminds everyone of the riches, houses, new cars, and manifold things that following him promises and guarantees. The drudgery of prayer, study, thoughts of heaven and hell are all unnecessary for those who follow him.

Satan offers parties, parades, games, sporting events, popular comedies on the television, and everything that is delightful to the eyes, taste, and touch. He has spent all his efforts towards making his followers happy. He ends again with a promise to exert himself, with all his ability, to secure all the joys and pleasures this world can offer.

"My opponent is already defeated," says the Lord Jesus Christ as he takes his turn. "Nothing he says is true. He is full of lies, and deception. Those who follow him have nothing but trouble and end up with torment." He reminds them that while they have often denied Him, mocked Him, and failed to follow Him faithfully, He has always loved them and been patient with them. He encourages them to repent and live. No one is profited by gaining the whole world and losing his soul. He pleads with them that He gave His life to redeem the souls of His followers. He does not offer parties, worldly comforts, or riches, but what He offers is forgiveness and life forever with God, in heaven. These are His promises.

So have you voted? Are you going to vote? Of course, I don't mean on Tuesday, November 7. But rather, I look to simply remind you that there are bigger votes to cast. There are more important elections than the ones we press a button to cast our votes in. We, in effect, vote with our lives, our hearts, actions, beliefs, and faith.

There is a story of a man who made a very wise choice. The king of his country once said to him, "Ask whatever you want, and I will give it to you." The man thought about it, "If I ask to be made a general, I am sure I will get it; if for half the kingdom, he will give it to me. I will ask for something to which all these things are added." So he said to the king, "Give me your daughter as my wife." In doing this he was made heir to all the wealth and honors of the entire kingdom. It is the same with Christ. Choosing Christ makes us heirs to all the wealth, honors, and glory of God's kingdom.

Soli Deo Gloria,
T-

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