Post-Election Prayer – November 13

Group 236

Devotion by Pastor Elijah Mwitanti of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairfax, VA.

John said to him, “Teacher, we saw a man who was driving out demons in your name, and we told him to stop, because he doesn’t belong to our group.” -Mark 9;38

Let me make a full disclosure and confession before I share my thoughts. I am a registered Democrat and voted as such up and down the ballot. I started dancing when Biden won, not just because I am a democrat, rather I wanted to see the miserable expression on the faces of those mean Republicans.

The Holy Spirit, however, was not about to renege on His convicting presence in my life. He reminded me that the Republicans are my opponents not enemies. As such, they belong on the political playing field as much as I do. Some of what they do or espouse deeply disturb me and I felt like John when they lost. Can you imagine how proud John felt when he came to Jesus and reported his protection of the disciples’ fort against a man that did not belong? Jesus’ response to John’s zealous discrimination informs my post election. If I was to synopsize the Lord’s response, it would be that my duty is not to identify and shame the enemy (who really is just the opponent) but to be faithful in my own calling as the disciple of Christ. Let Him decide who belongs and who does not.

‘For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?’ I Cor. 3:4

Questions

  1. How does your sense of God’s greater good for all people shape the way you see your opponents?
  2. Are you able to distinguish between disappointment and anger when facing loss?
  3. Can you celebrate victory without sinning in the process?

Prayer

Lord we ask that you would heal the divisions that have plagued our country, especially in these past four years. Forgive us for demonizing one another when we don’t see things the same way. Help us to realize that you have a better view on life than we do and keep us humble when it pleases you to use us in bringing about good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.