Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. 

- Psalm 146:6, NIV

This morning someone passed along this tweet to me: "I have prayed and I have voted. That is the limit of my ability to affect this election. God's will be done." I assume anyone who prays prior to voting and ends his or her tweet "God's will be done" is a person of faith. So, what are the limits of our abilities to affect elections? How do we decide how to vote? And what do we expect or hope those elected will do once in office? Those are all questions that I think we as Christians should be thinking about again and again.

The Bible verse above from the book of Psalms conveys what I think is both great and realistic wisdom about what we should expect from those we elect to govern over us. This Sunday I am sharing a message in which we will go deeper to try to answer some of these questions I have raised using God's wisdom from Psalm 146 as our guide. I hope you will plan to be there. I realize you may be thinking, "Yes, but this is after the election." I know that, but I am pretty confident this will not be the last election we will ever have the chance in which to vote.

The words from Psalm 146 remind us that we should not put too much "trust in princes" or anyone who rules over us -- those whom the Psalmist says, "cannot save." In other words, there is a limit to what any political leader can do. Sometimes I think we look for a candidate who will "save" us. Only God can do that. Those who govern and lead others have incredibly important jobs. John Calvin thought of their jobs as a "calling" - like the calling we pastors have from God - only more important! I think Calvin knew that those who lead and govern make decisions that affect so many lives. But whether your candidates won or lost, as Christians we are told to pray for all of those who govern us. (1 Timothy 2:1-3, NIV) So, today - pray!

We thank you, Lord, that we live in a country in which we have the privilege of voting for those who will lead us. We pray for those who have served, who are presently serving, and who will serve. Give them wisdom, compassion, and courage to lead in such a way that enables us all to live in peace with everyone. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus - the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Amen.