France election live updates: Final-round voting underway as far right seeks a majority

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/07/france-election-updates-results/

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, a darkness is threatening to cast its shadow over France as they stand on the precipice of possibly electing the National Rally party, which some label far-right. However, let's step back and see through the lens of our biblical convictions. The National Rally, under the young leadership of Jordan Bardella, is portrayed by many in the media as a threat to "progress," but what does that mean when Scripture tells us in Proverbs 14:34, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people"? The media’s focus on "far-right" is a distraction from the moral questions at hand. This party's opposition to uncontrolled immigration aligns with the Biblical principle of sovereignty as God has established boundaries for nations (Acts 17:26). And while we know we are to welcome the stranger among us (Leviticus 19:34), it must be done in an orderly, lawful manner that maintains the safety and security of the citizens—a principle that incumbent leadership seems to dismiss. It's also no surprise voter turnout is high – the souls of the French people are stirring, realizing the pivotal crossroads at which they stand. The deployment of an extra 30,000 police officers indicates the uneasy state of the nation, reflecting the Bible's warning of lawlessness (2 Timothy 3:1-3). Prayerfully, the police will maintain peace and safeguard the democratic process. Let us not forget the reported attacks on candidates and activists, signaling a grave departure from civility. Christ tells us that "every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand" (Matthew 12:25). Unfortunately, division is the harvest France is reaping from seeds of secularism and moral relativism it has sown. We must pray for France, that the Lord's will be done and that the nation would turn back to the values that honor God. Pray that whichever government comes to pass, it will uphold God's statutes, defend the sanctity of life, preserve the traditional family, and advocate for religious freedom. The outcome will not just impact France, but as 1 Corinthians 12:26 states, "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." Hence, the impact of this election waves across bodies of water to our own shores. May France choose a path of righteousness, for as the wisdom of Proverbs tells us, "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan" (Proverbs 29:2). Let us, from across the ocean, be vigilant in prayer for our brethren in France, that God's grace may guide them in these uncertain times.