Is there any Choice?

 

So begins election season. Here in Guernsey we will hold a general election on October 7th and in the USA there will be a presidential poll in November. We get to choose those who will rule over us, or so the theory goes. In our island we will each have 38 votes - the size of the Assembly - and with well over 100 candidates expected to stand, the ballot paper will probably look like wall-paper! In America the choice will be between two elderly white men. One seems to offer very poor personal credentials but a canny knack of making and losing money, while the other seems well-meaning but lightweight. Probably his biggest claim to fame is that he is not his opponent! Ah well, such is democracy (or what is left of it).

Sorry if that sounds a bit cynical, but to my mind, in the midst of a global pandemic and worst recession on record,  elections seem a bit of an interruption. Yet, they are important simply because of that one over-riding feature - we are called to exercise choice. 'Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve' says Joshua, the ancient leader of Israel and fighter of the famous battle of Jericho. And choice is a recurring Biblical theme. Moses challenged God's people to choose life and blessing instead of death and destruction (Deut 30:19) and Jesus challenged his followers to choose to do God's will (John 7:17).

Last week I chose gratitude instead of regret on the occasion of my 68th birthday (see my blog for Sat 22nd Aug 2020). In a few weeks I will choose 38 Deputies to sit in the States of Deliberation. A few weeks later millions of Americans will choose between Tweedledum and Tweedledee (naughty I know!!). 

BUT - the whole point is that we have the freedom to choose. And that's how it is in our walk with God. Choose life - choose Jesus - choose grace! Just as in our elections we make our choice by means of a cross, God has made His choice of Jesus clear in just that way too. At the cross God voted for Jesus as the way to life, hope and eternity. Now that's not irrelevant - that's vital. Cast your vote today.