Whether you are going to bed filled with utter elation or deep despair, there is one response that must be at once common and necessary among all of us, especially those of us claiming to follow Jesus Christ. Consider the words of the Apostle Paul to his younger friend Timothy:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Also, consider what Paul penned to the Christians living in, of all places, Rome: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Romans 13:1).
Regardless of your political persuasion, or whether your guy won or lost, the man that is the new president of the United States needs our respect, our prayers, and our support. This does not suggest that we agree with him on everything. That is one of the beauties of American democracy. But in God’s greater government it is clear that God alone raises up rulers and lays them down, and it is this same God who commands His followers to give honor to those governing authorities that God has clearly established.
So . . . are you willing to pray for, respect, honor, and otherwise speak kindly of the man who is our new president? To do so is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Marzella . . . thank you so much. Christa and I miss you, and are so blessed by you personally. Have a great Christmas, and don’t forget we love you deeply.
Hello, Matthew
Thanks so much for sounding the voice of faith in such a chaotic and polarizing election. Praying for the president-elect is not only our privilege but God’s command.
Marzella
Reading about the godless rulers of Israel and Judea, I see that Jehovah sends His prophets to bring His Word to the people. His Word is never to throw the rascals out. It’s not even to bring ‘change’ to the seats of power. His plea is to turn to Him. America has left Him. He never changes. His desire is for us, the church, to pray and work for revival – not reform. Has the church been trusting in government and not in the Mighty God of the universe? I am afraid so.
Amen Nathan! Thanks for the good word. Everything else IS unsafe!
This is an excellent reminder, Pastor Matthew! After this election, I realize I had been putting my trust in “chariots” and “horses”. George Bush, Republicans, and even Rush Limbaugh are not the ones in charge. God is. Everything else is unsafe.
Amen. And thank you.
Kaylene . . . my experience has been the same throughout the years when the election has not gone the way of most of my Christian friends. Thanks for saying something. As you and Justin have both suggested, we have EVERY REASON to note that it is God who is in total control. He loves Obama, He is utterly sovereign, and none of this surprises Him. Thanks!!!
Thank you for your post. I’m completely shocked (but probably shouldn’t be) by the outcry the Christian community has had following yesterdays election. I cannot believe how much faith my friends and family have put in the government of our nation and how weak that shows their faith in God to be. Thank you for your post again!!!!
Romans 13:1 was a verse I used to calm my political disappointment as John McCain lost the Presidential election. We should all remember that God created Obama just as he created the heavens, earth, you and me. Although I may not agree with his views he is now the Commander-in-chief and his authority comes from God alone, not popular vote, or an electoral college but from the Lord of Hosts.