It is Time to Take the Field of Battle

For the next few months until the election we will be witness to an amazing time in history. Both sides have the finish line in sight. Obama has lost his lead to a man with a fraction of his oratory skills. In spite of a media overwhelmingly dominated by Obama troops, McCain and Palin have forged their way onto the front pages and into lead stories.

Now watch what happens. As I stated in earlier posts, the attacks against McCain and Palin will become more shrill with each day. You see, the Bush derangement syndrome that we have witnessed for several years now, will not cease when Bush leaves office. This fire hose of seething hate is now being redirected at Sarah Palin. How dare a Spirit filled Christian woman pick up the sword and shield that after 8 years seems to be so heavy for our battle wearied President.

Perhaps people will take a good look at the character of the Code Pink personalities and decide that they do not stand with them. Oh, I know it is easy to say that there are extremists on both sides. That has conveniently been the standard disclaimer. It was even used as we witnessed the red faced shrieking woman being escorted from the Republican Convention floor.

I want to be counted as an extremist on this side. But as an extremist I want to be known by completely different characteristics. This election needs for all of us extremists to now take the field. Rather than confront peaceful, law abiding people with shrieking tantrums, we need to now confront the heavenlies with fervent prayer. Rather than cackling at innocent family members caught up in the political firestorm, we need to pray for divine protection over the candidates and a spirit of grace and goodwill to cover them. Rather than publish hit pieces and slander stories, we need to not be silent, but be loud and articulate in our love of all people and our love for what is right. Most of all, when the opposition is campaigning hatred of our candidates, we need to increase our campaign of prayer. The world must see the contrast. If we lose then we need to demonstrate this grace to the other side. But if we win, and I believe we will, we need to be even more gracious winners.

This battle is not about Democrats or Republicans. It isn’t about those who would call themselves Christian, Moslem, or Athiest. It isn’t about those who consider themselves global or national, man or woman, Hispanic, Black, or White. It is about the Holy Spirit. It is about those of us who believe in God’s plan for each one of us, for His Church, for Israel, and for the World. Standing up and declaring that will get you the same wrath that Sarah Palin, George Bush, and Israel are getting. People will get in line to hate you too.

But why do you think that we have a candidate who has withstood years of torture only to come back and forgive his captors years later? Why do we have a candidate who is known by his efforts to reach across the aisle and treat his opponents not as enemies but as fellow countrymen? Why do we have a candidate who doesn’t bow to evil? And why did a bold, spirit filled young running mate suddenly appear upon the scene from literally no-where? To be defeated? I don’t think so.