This week’s devotions are based on Week 4 of Stormproof – Election Earthquakes (CLICK HERE)
Nine days.
Hopefully in nine days we will know who our next president and vice-president will be.
I hope we do and we can put this election cycle behind us (although it seems as though as soon as one election is done, new people start engaging in the next election cycle.)
To whatever extent you are engaging in politics, I pray we as God’s people can navigate it well, without allowing it to disrupt our peace.
But maybe it already has.
There are strong opinions when it comes to politics. I am not exempt. My prayer in this week’s devotions as we can return to God’s Word and put perspective on our role in government and especially this year’s election.
As Christians we hold a worldview that God is the creator of the universe. Genesis 1 starts with the phrase, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” While this may seem as simple verse, it sets the worldview for the rest of not only the Bible, but all who believe the Bible. It also sets the reality that if God is the creator of all, there is nothing in this world that is above God’s power and authority…including government…including the government of the United States.
But that is not the case if one throws out the reality of God. Without the biblical worldview and understanding of God, humanity becomes its own god. As a result, human beings, believe they are their own gods and can determine all that is right for them. Also, government becomes god in that people look to it to provide only what God can provide. And then as a result, anyone who has power in government can look at it as a godlike position that has power to wield.
Christians don’t think that way do they?
They shouldn’t, but sometimes we do.
Sometimes we can equate the election of a politician as somehow measuring the impact or demise of God in the world. Sure, some politicians will acknowledge God as the ultimate authority and others won’t.
But here’s the point. God is not on the ballot. Therefore God’s control and guidance of the world around will not change with a presidential election year. In fact, because he is the creator of all things, he controls all things. As he controls all things, whether someone realizes it or not, he will be using the next administration in some way for his purposes.
God’s people have acknowledged his control and guidance of the nations of the earth. We can do the same. Here’s King Hezekiah facing the threat of Synnacherib:
2 Kings 19:15 And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.
What’s even better for the Christian is we can have the confidence that no matter who is in political office, Christ is over all and orchestrating the events of history for the blessing of his church. Consider Ephesians 1:19-23 That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
So where does that leave us?
Simply remember that the Lord is still the creator of all and has all power and authority over all. November 5 is not going to change that!
Apply: What happens in your heart when you remember that God is overall and guiding all for the benefit of his people, his Church?
Prayer: Lord, as you guide and direct the affairs of the kingdoms of the earth, guide and direct the election of our country to continue to be a blessing to your Church and your people. AMEN.