[Note: This post contains thoughts on government which could be mistaken as political. They’re not.]
I have been thinking a lot about Daniel 2:21 and Romans 13:1, especially in light of certain world events that have happened this year.
“He changes times and seasons, deposing some kings and establishing others.” Daniel 2:21
“There is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1
It’s amazing to me how often things don’t work out the way we planned them.
After watching an obscure Senator, with no previous business experience, try to lead America through a world-wide economic situation for the past three years, I’m convinced that the President knows almost nothing about good domestic policy and even less about good foreign policy. I don’t think he understands what role the government is supposed to play in a democratic republic or how many limitations our Constitution places on government.
There are people in every political party that want him out of office, and there are a few across the board that think he’s exactly what we need.
Now, to be fair, I also don’t think he’s insincere. I believe that he truly thinks his plan is best for this country, whether it’s jobs, stimulus, military, or anything else. I also don’t think he’s intentionally trying to destroy our country. He has a lot of voices around him, saying a lot of different things, and he has to decide which path to take. And he will certainly be accountable to God one day for the decisions he made.
So, in light of all of that, here’s where I find this fascinating, and, back to my main thought, completely unexpected.
From the very beginning, our President has done everything in his power to cause foreign leaders and people to look at America in a different light. He wanted them to see us in a kinder, gentler light. No longer the warmongering nation of past decades, President Obama’s America is tolerant of Islam, gives away everything we own to the poor, and aims for world peace within “the international community.”
Yet, it was during this President’s understanding and tolerant administration that two of the world’s most famous and meanest Muslim leaders were killed: Osama bin-Laden and Muammar Qaddafi.
bin-Laden, of course, was taken out by a Navy Seal Team on the President’s order in May. And just yesterday we heard that Qaddafi was killed, albeit not by American military.
Now, Republicans and Democrats alike will spin these events their ways. Republicans will say that the President’s accomplishments are because he did not give up on President Bush’s policies. Democrats will say that this is just proof that the President should be re-elected.
One of the few things that both parties have in common is that they want to make the world a better place. Neither wants war, famine, or poverty. We all want these to be eradicated so we can live in harmony.
But here’s the truth.
The truth is, God is sovereign, and he said that this world will get continually worse until Christ returns for his Church (see 2 Timothy 3). Then it will be immeasurably even worse during the Tribulation when God and Satan both pour out their wrath on this planet. Only when Christ returns again to banish evil and set up his kingdom will things finally be the way we have always wished.
Today is not the end of the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s not coming. American government can’t stop it. The church won’t stop it. All we can do is live like citizens of Heaven on Earth.
And be amazed when God does the unexpected.
Above all, understand this: In the last days blatant scoffers will come, being propelled by their own evil urges and saying, “Where is his promised return? For ever since our ancestors died, all things have continued as they were from the beginning of creation.”
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The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
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Therefore, dear friends, since you are waiting for these things, strive to be found at peace, without spot or blemish, when you come into his presence. And regard the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as also our dear brother Paul wrote to you, according to the wisdom given to him
Thanks for this post. Echo’s the same thing that I say to people. There are extremes on both sides of the aisle. Don’t put your hope in a politician, put it in God alone.
Thanks, Nick
How can you argue the truth. It is what it is. No right, no wrong, just someone who is trying to make it good for all of us. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus and this righteousness. Praise be to GOD.
Great truth, Gina.