Zimbabweans are going to the polls today. Let those of us who live so far away join our prayers with those in the country who are voting. My prayer for the troubled country of Zimbabwe is for peace, justice, and a stable economy.
I hope a free and fair election happens, but I have serious doubts. Last week when talking about the elections to a Zimbabwean, his reply was we already know what the result of the election will be. The exclusion of the media and international election observers, along with irregularities in the 2002 and 2005 elections, does nothing to foster confidence in the process.
And now, how to NOT do Biblical interpretation, brought to you by the Zimbabwean ambassador to South Africa. As the ambassador was briefing members of South African Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs on the 2008 elections in Zimbabwe, he indicated that there were many requests for accreditation to cover the elections. He then went on to say that many are called, but few are chosen. He was using this Bible reference to suggest that limited numbers would be granted permission to cover the country’s election.
I am for unfettered access by election observers. However, if the Zimbabwean government isn’t going to allow this, please don’t hide behind misquoted Biblical references in a lame attempt to lend your side credibility. In the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 22, Verse 14, Jesus does say, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Jesus said this in response to a story about a wedding banquet to which the invited guests didn’t turn up. This passage is not a justification to exclude, rather it reminds us that God’s judgment comes upon all. Jesus keeps us from sitting around self-satisfied because he invites us to reflect upon how our lives will be judged. To me the signs don’t look good, but it is God who judges and when God judges those involved in the Zimbabwean elections I pray that all may be found righteous.
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