GOD BLESS YOU ALL. A-MEN.
Mark 12:13-17
by Rev. Tyger Penson
In November of 1988, I was teaching classes at the Gbarnga School of Theology in Liberia, Africa. On the day of the U.S. elections for President of the USA, the students were eager to hear about the process. In the comments that followed, I spoke of my own analysis of the candidates and expressed my preference and my reasons for that man. The students were shocked. They feared that my speaking so publicly could cause me to be arrested or harmed if the opponent were to win the election. I assured them that, unlike their country, Americans could disagree with a candidate’s position without fear of reprisal or harm. We believed that was what made us a strong nation.
This year (2020), on Wednesday, the day after our election, I received an email from one of my Liberian friends and one of those same seminary students I had addressed in 1988. He wrote, “Hi there Todd and Tyger. How are you? Hope you are doing fine. How is the election going? I read from the Facebook YouTube that you have a president and vice-president elect. I saw people celebrating on YouTube. I really didn't know that Americans could rejoice in the streets like that. I hope you will enjoy the administration of the new government. God bless you all. A-men!”
Do you remember the story of Jesus being asked questions about his loyalty to the government? There were those who wanted to entrap Jesus and so they first set Jesus up with compliments and then form a question they are sure will accomplish their intent. “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” Jesus is aware of their conniving and gives an answer that gives those Pharisees and Herodians no chance to accuse him. Read the story in Mark for yourself.
In so many countries in the world, there are systems in place where their citizens have no freedom to express an opinion or to disagree with a decision being made by the reigning government. Many people live in fear of disagreeing with the ruler or president or other governing bodies of their country. Living in Liberia, we were made aware of the difficulties of living under a dictatorship. There were always those who were out to get a fellow citizen in trouble. Much like what Jesus experienced.
Praise God for the gift of democracy under which we live. Praise God that we have the right to disagree with the policies of our governing entities. Praise God that we do not have to fear for our lives if others do not agree with us. Praise God that we can demonstrate our Christian love to those who may vote or think differently than we do. I give thanks daily that I live in the United States and pray regularly for our leadership and the decisions they will make. Do you?
Prayer: God bless America, land of the free. Amen.