The months leading up to the recent 2020 Presidential election were punctuated by prayers, rallies, and a tangible sense of urgency among many evangelicals that Donald Trump must be re-elected or all hope is lost. There was a perception among many believers that it was God’s will for Trump to serve as President again because of his Christian worldview and support for Israel. There was a consensus among some evangelicals that Trump had to be re-elected for God’s plans for the U.S. and the world to come to fruition.
Tuesday, November 3rd. 2020 was a day marked by confusion and conflicting reports regarding the outcome of the Presidential election. As Joe Biden became the projected winner, the following weeks were marked by the confidence that the election results could be overturned through the courts at a state level, and there was hope that the Supreme Court would act. As these efforts to recount votes failed one by one, optimism faded into the realization that barring some miracle, Trump would have to leave the White House. On January 20th, 2021 at 12:00 pm, Joe Biden was inaugurated and he became the 46th President of the United States, much to the dismay of many Christians.
Many well-meaning Christians placed their desperate hope in certain man and this world, not in Jesus and His kingdom to come. Regardless of how you feel about the validity of the election results, many believers gave too much credit to the voters and Dominion machines, instead of to the One who raises up and deposes kings. Daniel 2:21
Over the course of the past year, we witnessed a lot of confusion among Christians. Some couldn’t stand the thought of voting for Trump, while it appears that others couldn’t imagine God’s plan going forward without him. Both groups overlooked a basic biblical principle that should bring peace and clarity to believers regardless of the current political climate, and it is this: God will ultimately decide who is in power. We see this exact scenario play out multiple times in scripture. One example is during King Zedekiah’s reign over Israel. Approximately ten years before Jerusalem fell to Babylon, God told Jeremiah to warn Israel and the small kingdoms surrounding it that they must serve the King of Babylon. In fact, God calls Nebuchadnezzar His servant! Jeremiah 27:6 He then goes on to warn those nations, if they don’t serve the King of Babylon, they will be punished with the sword, pestilence, and famine in Jeremiah 27:8
In our finite thinking we might ask, How can God do such a thing? His word provides the answer in Jeremiah 27:5. God’s wisdom is infinite and He will do what is right to Him, which includes giving temporary authority over lands, people, and animals into the hands of both good and evil leaders to accomplish His purposes. Please understand my point: I’m not equivocating the reign of Zedekiah and Nebuchadnezzar to former President Trump or President Biden. My point is that we cannot be so shortsighted and faithless to think that God has somehow been caught by surprise and is nervously pacing the floor in heaven because of an election outcome. The biblical reality is that God orchestrated and allowed the election results. It’s not my intent to go into the debate of “Stopping the Steal” vs. “No Election Fraud” because God saw fit in His wisdom, to place Joe Biden in office.
Daniel 2:21 gives us full assurance that God is the One who has the final say in every King’s coronation, Presidential election, and even a despot’s temporary regime. To think anything else is to give ourselves undue credit. Some people have wandered into the false teaching of dominion theology by thinking that if we can elect the right man, hold a majority, and clean up the country, the stage will be set for Jesus to return. They neglect the fact that God is truly in control and is bringing His plans to fruition. The Bible tells us that God used good and evil leaders to bring about His will. He raised up Pharoah, Nebuchadnezzar, and even Rome to accomplish His purposes.
As Christians, we can rest in the knowledge that God is in control and that the events that are happening all around us are sanctioned by Him. Followers of God from ancient times to right now have placed their trust in His providential care. Job, Esther, Jeremiah, Daniel, the early church, Reformation saints, Bonhoeffer, Ten Boom, and scores of others saw past the harsh reality of this world and put their faith in their God who has the final authority on what is allowed to happen. Job 42:1-6
This brings us to the current days we live in. If we apply God’s unchanging word to our time, as believers, we are compelled to understand that He is bringing leaders, nations, geopolitical crises, and society toward the event that will be the culmination of human history, the return of Jesus. We live in times of increasing economic, social, and global upheaval. The tepid leadership in America and Western Europe is placating China, Iran, Russia, and other enemies of freedom.
Closer to home and just as dangerous are the self-righteous cancel-culture crusaders, who continue to stoke hatred and jealousy through Marxist, woke, and anti-Judeo-Christian ideology. The threat to personal and religious freedom cannot be overstated. Given the current leadership and hostile social climate of our day, I believe widespread retaliation and even persecution of people of faith will likely begin in short order. The ostracizing and bullying are already beginning to be encouraged, if not sanctioned by big tech, big media, and even some in leadership. Remember that taking a stand for the Lord will cost you something. Hebrews 10:32-33
As Christians, it should be no surprise that the world will hate you. Culture, society, and individuals will continue to hate us for our faith. It’s wrong to teach that society will improve when the Bible teaches no such thing. Remember that leaders, nations, and events are all moving toward a crescendo, and as believers, we can have a full assurance that our lives are in God’s hands. Hebrews 11:32-39. Jesus, Himself warned us that the world would hate us and Peter encouraged us to be ready to suffer for righteousness’s sake. 1 Peter 3:13-16 I want to remind you to pray for those in authority and obey them, as long as it doesn’t conflict with our obedience to Christ. Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:13, and Acts 5:29
Dear friends, let me encourage you in the Lord. You can have true contentment, peace, and even joy, regardless of the chaotic conditions around you. Jesus told us to stay awake, be alert, and be about His business. I want to exhort you to be more concerned about eternity, than November 2022 & 2024. Certainly, vote pro-life and Christian values, but make it your utmost priority to be a bold, loving, witness for Jesus. Remember to pray for President Biden, Congress, and other officials. I want to tell you that prophecy is being fulfilled, Jesus is coming soon, and to relax, God’s got this. Remember the promise of our Lord in Matthew 28:20 to be with us always.
All for Him,
Howard
