Somewhere early in this daily devotional-writing journey I realized that if I used the Common Lectionary, I could access five prescribed scriptures each week for my daily texts. Prior to this, I had been tackling topics and then finding a scripture that explained the topic. Starting with the Lectionary scripture first allows for the Bible to truly speak for itself, and it has been a revelation to me to realize how often the pre-set lectionary assignments speak directly into our situation day after day.

Today’s lectionary assignment does not disappoint. It is Election Day in the United States (for those of you who live in other countries, or may be reading this in months to come) and the scripture assignment is spot on.

We are led to the Book of Wisdom to contemplate a passage directed to the leaders of the nations:

Wisdom 6  (Common English Bible)

So then listen, you rulers, and understand. Learn, you who judge the far reaches of the earth. ² Pay attention, you who have power over multitudes, you who take pride in having power over throngs of nations.

³ The Lord gave you authority to rule. The Most High gave you your power. He will watch carefully what you do and examine everything that you are planning. ⁴ You are merely stewards of his kingdom. If you don’t judge rightly, if you don’t keep the Law, or if you don’t act according to God’s plan, ⁵ then he’ll fall upon you very suddenly and very terribly.

Judgment falls hard on those in high places. ⁶ Those who aren’t important may be pardoned out of compassion, but the powerful will be powerfully examined. 

If you haven’t voted yet, stop right now and go do it. If you voted early, stay home and pray.

As for today’s devotional, I’m going to just leave this here:

⁷ The ruler of All won’t back down from anyone. He won’t show any special consideration to someone whom others consider great.

The ruler of All made both the small and the great, and he regards them all in the same way. ⁸ But a stern judgment will fall upon the ruthless.

May God direct our choices today, and may God bless America.