Surprise! surprise! Hundreds of years ago, the human agents of Satan the devil told us what their game plan was, more or less, and their sinister antichrist plans are coming to pass in fulfillment of 2,000 year old prophecies in the biblical Book of Revelation. Christian apostasy, world wars, Marxism leading to Luciferianism and invasions of criminal elements to disrupt our Western societies are all coming or are here already as predicted. Get ready!
If you are serious about being a salt and light Christian in this world, then you will vote!
For many Christians the Great Commission has become the Great Omission. For many Bible believers their Christian walk involves sitting back, living a quiet Christian life, going to church, work, school and engaging in the society around them in little meaningful ways when it comes to spreading the gospel or by being salt and light. Is this what Yeshua called his disciples to do? Or did he call them to bury their talent, to hide their light under a basket or be warriors who would confront the world around them with the message of the gospel and the truth of the Bible? Voting is one small way to help spread some light and salt in a spiritually dark and putrid world.
A question. Did YHVH lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land for them to then wall themselves off from other nations and just sit in the corner and sing Kumbayah for the next one thousand years? If so, then why did he geographically place Israel where several of the ancient world’s main trade routes intersected with each other, and then called the Israelites to be a light to the nations? No. They were called to be a light to the world (Deut 4:5–8). What’s more, it is true that Yeshua told his disciple that though they were in the world, they were not of this world. But was this a mandate for Christians piously to sit on the sidelines as the world around them goes to hell figuratively and literally? Is this what Yeshua’s disciples understood him mean? You know the answer! So then why do so few Christians who live in democratic nations fail to vote when their vote might make the difference between good and evil?
Let’s face it. Interacting with this world is a dirty job! It requires putting on your rubber hip boots and mucking through the barnyard of a pagan and godless society. It is impossible to be salt and light in this world, and to win the lost without getting a little dirty. Yeshua is our example to follow in this. First he came from heaven to an earth full of filthy sinners like you and me. On top of this, the self-righteous religious establishment of his day castigated him for hanging out with the unwashed masses of common people, tax collectors, sinners and adulterers. In this, Yeshua set us an example, which his disciples followed throughout the Book of Acts and beyond to “go ye therefore into all the world, preach repentance from sin, the good news of the kingdom of Elohim, and to make disciples” who would then go and do the same. Wash, rinse and repeat!
So another question. What are you doing to be faithful to your Master’s command to be salt and light in this world? True, not everyone is called to be a street preaching evangelist, a missionary to Africa or a Mother Theresa, but everyone can do something! The cook in the galley or the janitor in the restrooms on a battleship is just as vital as the one who fires the 16 inch guns at the enemy, or even the captain of the ship, for the ship could not function without any of them. Whether you are doing little or a lot to help advance the kingdom of Elohim here on this earth, one thing is certain. We are all soldiers in YHVH’s spiritual army and being AWOL or absent without leave is not an option. Such a servant will, at the very least, be given little or no reward in the world to come, or at the most, he will be beaten with many stripes (Matt 25:24–30; Luke 12:47). Voting is one small thing that Christians can do to be salt and light in this world.
Many Christians do not vote for a variety of reasons. Some reasons may be valid, others may not be. Although democracy, as we know it, did not exist in Bible lands when the Bible was written, and thus the Scriptures do not specifically address this issue, interesting, the Bible does provide Christians with some compelling reasons why voting is a civil right that can actually help to expand biblical values to one degree on this earth. Moreover, the strong case can be made that if more Christians voted, the political and moral climate in one’s country would be better.
Some Christians stay home on voting day because they feel that they are always voting for the lesser of two evils. This is likely true, but will there ever be a perfect candidate who checks all the boxes and meets all the criteria for being biblically righteous? Again, you know the answer. Are you perfect? Is their anyone who is? Has there ever been a perfect human—ever? Only one Person, and you know who that was!
Other Christians refuse to vote because they believe that the elections are rigged and so their vote is pointless. This may be true, but maybe it is not always the case. Who knows for sure? If it is in our power to do good, shouldn’t we exercise that power as best we can (Jas 4:17)?
For my part, I was raised to believe that Christians should not vote since we are not citizens of any earthly kingdom, but part of the kingdom of Elohim. For me, this mentality had unintended and negative if not destructive consequences. It tended to take me out of the spiritual battle that is occurring on this earth between the forces of light and darkness, good and evil versus the antichrist spirit of this age. I found myself largely on the sidelines of the work that Yeshua the Messiah was doing on this earth. However, when I was an in my mid to late 20s that all changed. One day I changed my view of voting and went against the teachings of my church. My town was raising taxes and, at that time, I was hard pressed financially as I was starting a new business. Shouldn’t I have a say on how much money the politicians extracted from me? In answer to my own question, I registered to vote and have done so ever since.
The mentality of non-involvement with this world by refusing to vote caused me to overlook Yeshua’s clear command to his disciples and to us to occupy until he comes, to be salt and light, to do the great commission by preaching the gospel and making disciples. There are many implications and ramifications to this command, but one thing is certain: it does not mean for us to sit in the corner and do nothing—to be AWOL (i.e., absent without leave) from the spiritual battle to which YHVH has called us. We are to be active movers and shakers in helping to defeat the god of this world, to come against his minions, to stand against darkness and to help advance the kingdom of Elohim. Voting is one small way to occupy until Yeshua returns, to stand for righteousness and to help advance the kingdom of Elohim. Yes, ultimately, our battle is a spiritual one (2 Cor 10:4–5; Eph 6:10–18), but this battle is fought not only in the spiritual realm but also on the physical realm of which we are a part. If it were not, then why does Yeshua command us to preach the gospel and make disciples?
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of Elohim, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of Elohim, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of Elohim; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints (Eph 6:10–18)
YHVH is looking for human instruments who will do his work and rise up against evildoers and the workers of iniquity.
Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? (Ps 94:16)
But this beg a question. Is YHVH so impotent that he really needs man’s help? No. But he chooses to work through humans to accomplish his purposes on earth. But humans can only do this was they are helped or empowered by heaven. They are YHVH’s tools that he uses to accomplish his purposes on earth.
Unless YHVH had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence. (Ps 94:17)
Thus opposing evil is a cooperative effort between YHVH in heaven and his servant on earth.
Through Elohim we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies. (Ps 108:13).
So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. (Ezek 22:30)
Biblical Reasons to Vote
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Fight or Flight?
When life smacks us in the face again and again whether it is weariness in well doing, trials, persecution, health and financial issues, mean words and actions from other people, false accusations or whatever, it is easy to become discouraged. It is only natural to cry out to YHVH Elohim in complain: woe is me!, Sometimes we feel like fighting—punching the adversary in the face. Or perhaps our response to adversities is to run away and to hide like the proverbial child who pulls the bed covers over his face hoping the boogie man or the monster under the bed will magically go away. The author of the biblical psalms was no exception to these normal human reaction to depression and discouragement as a result of attacks by people or difficult life situations.
Give ear to my prayer, O Elohim; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest. (Ps 55:1–8)
What does the Bible teach us that our reaction should be when we face adverse circumstances and discouragement is the result? Do we fight our adversary, flee the scene, give up or what?
The Bible has much to say about discouragement and weariness. Most importantly, though, it shows us how to keep on moving forward without succumbing to the negative and debilitating human emotions of discouragement, depression and weariness that can so easily beset us and take us down.
Do Not Become Weary in Well-Doing
For the average human, one’s entire life is a struggle against opposing forces like adverse health issues, human relational problems or environmental conditions involving economics, workplace issues or political and social upheaval that unexpectedly envelopes us. For the Christian, the battle is even more intense involving not only physical adversaries and forces, but spiritual ones as well including the world (the spirit of antichrist), the flesh (sin) and the devil and his forces of evil that are ever trying to pull godly people downward. Like the spawning salmon, we have to fight our way upstream against the river’s fierce current to reach our goal, but by the grace or divine enablement of YHVH, the Bible assures us that we can make it. Usually the goal is reached and victory comes only after a long struggle. In the body building community there is a saying: No pain, no gain. This is a truism for all of life’s endeavors and the overall message of Scripture. Nothing worth anything comes without a struggle. For example, the farmer sows his seeds and then has to wait patiently for the harvest to occur hoping that drought, floods, blight, pests or weeds will not obviate all of his hard endeavors produce a crop. It is unrealistic to expect instant gratification in this life and relief from life’s trials and struggles. Christians are called to be people of faith. The ultimate and eternal reward is forthcoming to those who persevere and overcome.
Now that we have identified the problem, which is endemic to the human condition, what is the solution? The Bible offers us some encouraging words in the face of discouragement from life’s struggles.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Gal 6:9)
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of YHVH, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in YHVH. (1 Cor 15:58)
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. (2 Thess 3:13)
But there is more for us to consider when dealing with the battles of life that result in weariness and discouragement.
Heaven’s Discipline Is For Our Betterment
Discouragement often occurs out of conflicts with other people. This was the case with Jacob and Esau. Rather than learning from his mistakes, Esau turned away from YHVH because of discouragement and became a profane or secular person. He was a carnally minded and a worldly person who was focused totally on satiating his physical needs and wants with little or no interest in godly things, thus he failed to take to heart YHVH’s chastening and to obey his parents, to make peace with Jacob his brother and ultimately to serve and obey Elohim.
For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of YHVH, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom YHVH loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, Elohim dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see YHVH: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of Elohim; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. (Heb 12:3–17)
What About When People Treat Us Badly?
A major source of discouragement comes as a result humans mistreating each other. Often those who are closest to us—spouses, children, parents and close friends—are the ones who treat us the worst. Such attacks are the hardest to endure. The psalmist experienced the persecution and betrayal of loved ones and then wrote about the pitiable situation in which he found himself.
Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. (Ps 41:9)
For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of Elohim in company. (Ps 55:12–14)
In my distress I cried unto YHVH, and he heard me. Deliver my soul, O YHVH, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar! My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace. I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war. (Ps 120:1–7)
Yeshua warned his disciples some of their chief adversaries would be those of their own household.
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. (Matt 10:34–39)
The Grace and the Love of Yeshua Will Carry Us Through!
So how do we deal with and overcome weariness and discouragement as a result of the betrayal and persecution of loved ones or even from the chastening that comes from our heavenly Father?
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Everyone goes through seasons of discouragement and depression. It is part of the human experience. This can be brought on by personal attacks from other people, weariness of life’s struggles, the negativity and hopelessness of world conditions, health and financial issues and many more things. But Christians don’t need to stay depressed. The Bible reveals a powerful way out of depression and discouragement as this video explains.
This is an analysis of some of the momentous events of the week of July 20–27 from a biblical perspective including the Trump assassination attempt, the Republican National Convention, the Democratic Party, Kamala Harris and the current state of the Messianic/Hebrew Roots Movement plus the good news of how YHVH is raising up a new generation of young Torah and Yeshua loving leaders who are blazing a clear path forward as they are helping to prepare the way for Yeshua’s return.