Liz Truss is our new prime minister.  And, given the current crises both here and worldwide, it will be a very challenging job.  She was chosen by secret ballots of MPs and then members of the Conservative party. Fewer than 3 out of every 1,000 in the population had a vote. Only a small minority of people had a say in this important decision.

But who actually elected Liz Truss?

Years ago, the king of Babylon had to learn a very hard lesson, aided by the Jewish prophet Daniel.

…to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.

Daniel 4:17

 

A similar thing was said by the apostle Paul:

there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Romans 13:1

We are all free to make our own choices and decisions. But, unknown to most people, and in a way that we cannot understand, God Himself oversees election processes. He is in ultimate control of world affairs. And everything is working towards the establishment of His kingdom on earth, with Jesus as king. Of course, this does not mean that He is happy with what the elected people do, or indeed their attitude while doing it.

The Old Testament prophets are full of dire warnings to nations: leaders who had displeased God in their attitude to Him and the Jewish nation, even when they were furthering God’s purpose by their actions.

But God – not a devil, not chance, and not humanity – is in control. Jesus will soon return and solve all the world’s problems.

God … now … commands all people everywhere to repent,because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.

Acts 17:30-31

One vote hardly makes any difference in human politics. But we all have the opportunity to declare our personal allegiance to Jesus. To accept him as our leader both now and forever. This is the most important decision we can ever make, and will have amazing implications for those who do decide to ‘vote’ for Jesus.

The choice is ours: right now.

Across the country young people have been getting exam results.  These results can be important in determining the next stage in education or career choices. Many of the diligent have been rewarded, but laziness has reaped its just deserts. So there have been reports of great joy but also tears of disappointment and frustration. However, not all the results are a fair reflection of the students’ true ability and some students are appealing against what they consider unfair assessment.

God has appointed Jesus to be our judge.

 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

2 Corinthians 5:10

And, like God, he will be totally just in his judgements (1 Peter 2:23).

So there will be no appeals. But there will be joy and tears. In a parable, Jesus described the judgement of both faithful and faithless servants.

To the faithful:

Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master

Matthew 25:23

To the faithless:

…cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 25:30

God does not want us to ‘fail’. He wants us in His kingdom.

Jesus said to his disciples:

Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Luke 12:32

And a while later Peter wrote:

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance

2 Peter 3:9

But we do need to repent. Our response now determines not just the next stage in our lives, but our eternal destiny. We need to examine ourselves and prepare for the return of Jesus as our judge and, if we so desire, our king and our Saviour.

The tragic attack on Salmon Rushdie has provoked outcries about the importance of free speech.

Free speech is defined as the right of a person or group of people to express opinions without restriction by government. Many countries, including USA where Salmon was attacked, have this enshrined in law. In other parts of the world this principle is not accepted. For example, in some countries preaching Christianity is strictly forbidden. This is not new. In the first century the Jewish religious authorities tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to prohibit the disciples from teaching in the name of Jesus (Acts 5:27–29).

Even where ‘free speech’ is promoted, there are restrictions; for example, where the language would genuinely threaten health, safety or national security. But the Bible goes further than this. The Jews were strictly forbidden to misuse the name of God.

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

Exodus 20:7

Sadly, nowadays, the names of God and Jesus are commonly used in profane ways in this country. Years ago, that might have been considered blasphemy: it is certainly disrespectful to God.

Ironically, Jesus was delivered up to be crucified for what the Jews classed as blasphemy. This was because he said he was the son of God, which indeed he was.

And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so…” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy…” 

Matthew 26:63–65

Bible truth is often contrary to the ‘spirit of the age’, and so is not always well-received. But like the apostles, this should not deter us from presenting its message. Of course, we must be careful how we speak about this and about anything else. God has not given us the freedom to speak as we wish. Time and time again the Bible warns us about speech that is filthy, malicious, untrue, deceiving, cursing or corrupt.

Jesus said that “…what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person” .

Matthew 15:1

He spoke gracious words (Luke 4:22). And we need to be careful how we use our ‘free speech’, because he also said:

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned”

Matthew 12:36–37

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