Isaiah 9: 6-7

Dan & Claire Maudhub

'For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders ...Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.' Isaiah 9:6-7

Let me open up by saying I'm not the world's greatest follower of politics, but I have been watching this particular election campaign with more verve than usual. I was particularly interested to see the nation's response to the first live TV debate a few of weeks ago.

The three heads of the main political parties lined up to answer a series of pre-defined questions and inform and engage with the general public. Before we go on, let's have some honesty time. Before this election campaign, how much did we know about Nick Clegg, indeed how many of us even knew Nick Clegg was in charge of the Liberal Democrats?

The public response to Nick Clegg's presentation during the first debate (suitably hyped up by the media) was quite spectacular. He had gone from zero to hero in an hour. He was being dubbed as the next Tony Blair, a confident man who could lead the country forward and the public reaction was unprecedented.

But what was this reaction based on? Clear and defined policies? An amazing vision that answered the needs of the country? Possibly not; more likely it was based purely on persona and charisma. Nick Clegg presented himself well, looked confident and spoke into the camera and to the audience. The nation bought into this for a short while - hook, line and sinker.

It showed me once more that the world is looking for an answer; it is looking for someone to rise up and be the answer to the country's problems. For that one hour, Nick Clegg had the charisma and personality potentially to be that answer.

However, as the following debates ensued and the election results rolled in, it became clear the public could not trust mere personality quite enough for the vital task at hand.

The more I read about the election, the more I run my business and the more I live life on this planet I realise that the only true answer not only to salvation but on how to live successfully on this earth is found in Jesus.

It is even very easy for Christians to live our lives like this. We can look for the next great teaching, or hold out for the next big church event, but the answer can only be found in one person, His name is Jesus Christ. We have a King who has an everlasting Kingdom and the increase of His government over us will never end.

Jesus came to reconcile us to the Father and to commission us to advance His Kingdom on earth. We have a mandate to take God's Kingdom (His rule and reign) into every area of society - that includes politics and government. We need to always apply God's word and ways and take His rule and reign into the world.

The only way governments can successfully rule will be to ask the Creator and to put His plan into action. No manifesto can replace this and Nick Clegg (no offence, Nick!) certainly can't.

As I write this, it has just been announced that David Cameron is our new Prime Minister. Mr Cameron confesses to be a Christian and my prayer is that he will be a leader that seeks God not only for his personal life but for the life of this nation.

My encouragement is twofold; firstly, pray for David Cameron that He will lead according to God's way and none other. Secondly, we need to remember we are called to take God's Kingdom into every area of society and as we do this, the world will see that the answer is the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ.