Finally, after two and a half weeks of speculation and negotiation, we have a government – a Labor government led by Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Support from a few independent MPs has given Gillard the narrowest of margins. Labor's position on broadband and climate change were influential in the final decision. This has been Australia's first hung parliament since the 1940s.
Without doubt, Australia is a divided nation politically and only time will tell how well the new government will perform in leading the nation forward. Labor voters will be pleased with the final outcome while Liberal voters will naturally be disappointed.
Whatever our personal stance politically and however we may have voted, as followers of Christ now is the time to accept the decision that has been made. Like it or not, Julia is our Prime Minister and we have a Labor government. Paul's words to the early Christians have fresh relevance for us today. Remember he was writing during a time when the Roman Empire was in power and Nero was the Emperor.
"I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth." [1 Timothy 2:1-4. NLT]
Now is the time to continue to be salt and light in our world, showing we are Christ's followers by our love – for all people. Finally, let's remember what God requires of us … "O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." [Micah 6:8. NLT]
let us not be complacent though in challenging the decisions of the government. the most threatening component in this new regime is the power of the covert Gay Lobby, trading as the Greens. the priorities they tabled to the ALP as needing agreement were not very strongly environmentally focused. gay marriage was right up the top of the list. and they have a commitment to getting rid of school chaplains, and legislating against Christian Schools being aloowed to employ only Christian teachers. some issues to be watched I think.
Yes, good point Richard. It is so easy to slip into complacent inactivity after an election rather than continuing to let our voice be heard on key issues. The politicians we have elected are there to represent us and we need to be in contact with them, as appropriate.
I would like to say that I was very fretful of
Julia being prime minister especially in association with the influence of the Greens. After much prayer and fasting the Lord so patiently and kindly led me to a verse in the Bible which I never really understood until yesterday before the announcement came. I knew after that that truly God is in control and that He does really care about His people and that truly He has the last say in all matters as He “… rules over all the kingdoms of the nations” 2 Chron 20:6 and that includes Australia.
The verse that really struck me and gave me such reassurance and peace was this: ” For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, ” Even for this same purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be declared in all the earth” Rom 9:17 . All I can do now is give thanks and pray “May Your name be hallowed heavenly Father, may Your kingdom come and may Your will be done in Australia and in each politician’s life All the glory belongs to You Oh precious Father . You are in control and You allow all these things to take place for a grander purpose.
It is now , more than ever, that we need to shine God’s light.
Elly