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The MSNBC headline says it all, "Only in California!" The recall vote that occurred in California made Reality TV look pretty tame. The list of wannabe candidates included Larry Flint (from Hustler Magazine fame), Gary Coleman (Different Strokes star), Arianna Huffington (Politically Incorrect show), Peter Ueberroth (1984 Olympics athlete) and of course, this "big guy from Austria who makes movies," named "Ahnold" (Arnold Schwarzenegger)!
So, on October 7th, Californians went to the poles for a two-part vote. First they will decided whether or not to recall present Governor Gray Davis, then they chose from a randomly ordered list of other candidates to replace him. Besides the famous ones mentioned above, there are hundreds of other candidates who jumped on the political bandwagon. Some have equated the event as a regular political circus. There are even ideas for a new game show called, "Who wants to be governor of California?" Surely it is a joke. Or is it?
All joking aside, it's a sad day when one can win an election for being a movie star or by simply being famous or for having deep pockets that can buy one's way into government. (Is this something new?). Everyone isn't as fortunate.
It's good to know that God doesn't treat us like the world does. The Creator of the Universe loves us in spite of who we are, what we look like (even if we're not Mr. Universe), or for what we possess. Our God loved us so much that "he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."-John 3:16. Did you catch that? The "whoever" includes me and you! Not the rich and famous; not the well-clothed and good looking, but the "whoever" are included in God's offer! No ballots. No recall votes. Just His blessed offer of grace to those who believe and obey His will.
The word, "whoever", means God's salvation is open for all people, you and me and the neighbor down the street, and yes, even for those who live in California!
We'll be proclaiming the "whole counsel of God" on Sunday. I invite you to come, whoever you are!
Tom Nuckels |