Stephen Harper--Ordained of God?
Well, the Canadian election is over and we all participated, more or less in the national self-conciousness. I found watching the poll in the Globe and Mail so fascinating that I changed my whole morning coffee habit for about ten days. Ordinarily, I don't read the Globe and Mail because I have not liked its bias. Imagine my surprise when the Globe and Mail endorsed Stephen Harper. I also learned to like the Starbucks coffee here in Cochrane.
Stepping back a bit from the election, let's pause. Paul Martin, like Stephen Harper is a bearer of a Christian name--Paul. More to the point, Scripture says that "the powers that be are ordained of God." So, had Mr. Martin won, in one significant way, theological, not political, it would have been the same as if Mr. Harper had won--(which he did as we all know.) The biblical view of politics is that God controls the leadership of the nations. He lifts up one and sets down another. That's why Christianity can flourish, no matter who is in power.
Let me paraphrase, the heart of the king is in the Lord's hand--God's hand is always involved in these matters. Which leads me to say, its ok to say Stephen Harper is ordained of God. That is the theological fact. Even Mr. Duceppe or Mr. Layton, had they been chosen, they would likewise have been ordained of God. We're talking about God's sovereignty here and I find it fascinating.
The Calgary Herald says he is a Protestant, from Presbyterian stock and that he has an affinity for the Christian and Missionary Alliance. I like that of course, because I see our family kind of like that. But when the next Prime Minister shows, he (or she, Belinda??) too will be ordained of God. That's what we have to keep in mind.
posted by Neill at 9:08 PM
5 Comments:
Well certainly I can relate to you now if you like Starbucks coffee! I did vote conservative but not out of love for Stephen Harper! I don't have faith in any politicians religious affiliations. Paul Martin is Catholic and still he bows to the Charter of Human Rights or should I say "Charter of Human Whose Rights?"
oops, politician's
Good point Bro. I hope that the opposition parties will allow Mr. Harper to bring in some of the things he proposed in the election but I'm not optomistic. It was interesting to hear one lady-er-woman say Canadian's freedom is now over. I'm not sure what freedom I have just lost as I feel very free indeed. Free from the oppressive liberal governments at least for a time.
Shuana, was waiting for your comments!unca
Politics, politics! I think the scriptures suggest that governmental corruption is standard operating procedure. That good honest government is the exception rather than the rule. Even among the kings of Judah and Israel there were only a handful of "good" kings. In fact I would say that more pain, more damage, more suffering and more death has been caused over political/governmental issues than any other cause! Throw in a little religious zeal and it is often a lethal mixture!
But we are to pray for our leaders, we are to encourage them with our good citizenship and we should expect them to be honest, with the good of others placed above their own good. I find it interesting, fascinating and a hope-filled reality that a major thrust of scripture is the governmental structure known as the Kingdom of Heaven. The appeal of a totally good government to the heart, soul and mind of mankind is universal. We all want it!
As far as sovereignty, I still haven’t been able to figure that one out. It seems that God steps in from time to time to turn the tide of governments towards the fulfilment of his ultimate plans. But beyond that I am not sure how it works.
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