I have been relatively quiet during this political season. The main reason behind my rationale is that my role as a pastor is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone, regardless of political affiliation, and point people to God's eternal kingdom which will have no end. I agree with the Psalmist David when he said, "For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with a skillful
psalm. God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne" (Psalm 47:7-8).
For the record, I will be voting for Donald Trump. Not because I like him as a person, but because his political platform and positions most closely align with my values. It is OK if you don't agree with that. I do not believe Hillary Clinton supporters are heretics. Nor do I think those who advocate third party candidates are being contentious. We will all stand before Jesus Christ and give an account for our actions. That means I can't answer for you and you can't answer for me. At the end of the day, "Each one should be fully persuaded in his own mind" (Romans 14:5).
The purpose of this post is not to defend who I am voting for. We have all heard enough inflamed rhetoric from all sides and positions. I want to encourage you today that no matter what happens tomorrow you can peace in your heart. The right President of the United States will be elected.
Let me share with you why I am confident about the election tomorrow, no matter who is elected.
God has placed every government on earth by His sovereign Hand.
Daniel 2:21, "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he
gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding..."
Romans 13:1, "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."
These verses assure us that a sovereign, omnipotent God is reigning above and is placing leaders as He sees fit across the globe. No one assumes the mantle of leadership without God's approval. That means God is above voter fraud, corruption, and manipulation.
God uses sinful people and governments to accomplish His will on earth.
Jeremiah 17:1-27:
“The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron; with a point of diamond
it is engraved on the tablet of their heart, and on the horns of their
altars, while their children remember their altars and their Asherim,
beside every green tree and on the high hills, on the mountains in the
open country. Your wealth and all your treasures I will give for spoil
as the price of your high places for sin throughout all your territory.
You shall loosen your hand from your heritage that I gave to you, and I
will make you serve your enemies in a land that you do not know, for in
my anger a fire is kindled that shall burn forever.” Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. ..."
Acts 4:27-28:
"For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur."
Yes, God can uses even sinful people and governments to accomplish His agenda. I think our current political situation is a result of spiritual decay in our country. We have no one to blame for where we are at in this country except ourselves. The fact we have such pitiful excuses for political candidates is a by-product of the moral decay of our culture.
Yet, in the midst of this, God's Word assures us that He even has sinful, corrupt governments under His control. They may think they are carrying out their agenda, but in reality God is maneuvering them towards His eternal purposes and destination.
Our hope is not in a fallible President, but a righteous God.
Psalm 146:3-10:
"Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no
salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that
very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made
heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith
forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the
hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free; ..."
No matter who you vote for they are flawed. I don't care if you support Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Gary Johnson, or Evan McMullin. They all have their baggage.
But no matter who you support, they are a fallible human being. Even the most well-intentioned person will make mistakes. So we cannot place our hope in who sits in the Oval Office at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. We must not give into fear at the prospect of policies and laws that may work against us as Christians, or shrink back at the thought of persecution.
Our hope must rest in the righteous God who will one day execute perfect justice, make all wrongs right, and comfort those who have suffered persecution for His Name's sake.
Jesus will one day bring an end to all human government and will reign forever.
Revelation 19:11-16:
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Can I let you in on a secret? God already knows who is going to win the election tomorrow. He will not be taken by surprise, nor will He be wringing His hands in despair.
Everything that will take place tomorrow will be by His sovereign decree. The election results will be one step closer to the ultimate fulfillment of God's divine cosmic purpose: Jesus ruling and reigning over all creation for eternity, along with His saints.
So, my Hillary Clinton supporters, know that I love you in the name of Christ. I won't be screaming threats, calling names, or bemoaning how corrupt our system is, even though there may be credence to that. I will simply continue on loving my family, my neighbors, and the world because Christ compels and commands me to (Deut. 6:5; Mt. 22:37; Lk. 10:27).
I know the right candidate will win. Because God assured us His purposes will be carried out. Believe it. Trust in it. And do not allow the enemy to sow fear and discord into your heart today.
Bryan
