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Reflection on the European Parliament election (2014)

European flags

Creative Commons: European Parliament, 2013

Politicians usually have a lot to say, and churchmen it seems, can’t stop themselves talking politics! But in fact, few politicians or voters are prepared to submit themselves or their country to a truly God-fearing Christian discipline. Can you imagine a modern monarch or Prime Minister doing what God expected His rulers to do in Old Testament times? We read in Deuteronomy 17:18-19: And it shall be, when he (that is the king) sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: and it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them. Unfortunately God’s people disobeyed His laws and consequently had to live under Roman rule - as they were doing at the time of Christ. Despite this fact, Jesus and his disciples never sought any part in the government of their land nor the overthrow of their ungodly rulers. They looked forward to a new and better world. Jesus said: My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. We too are looking forward to this new kingdom which Jesus will set up soon when he rules from Jerusalem as King - not man's way but God’s way! Clearly modern politicians are not helping to establish God’s kingdom. So true followers of Jesus - whilst being good citizens, must avoid involvement in politics. But at all times, as The Bible says: We ought to obey God rather than men!