Pastor's Ponderings, January 17, 2017

Our God Still Rules America

We are about to inaugurate a new president and the world awaits the decisions that will be made, the policies that will be pursued, and the priorities that will be established.  It is very important to the world to know how the president-elect will administer his office since lives, public safety, our climate, our education, and even our income can be affected by what he does or does not do. 

What should those who love the Lord do for the next four years?  We should neither brag because our team won nor sulk because our team lost because God is the one that puts people in their leadership position (Psalm 75:6-7).  We must not worry about what they will or not do knowing that God has their heart in His all-powerful hands (Proverbs 21:1).  It pleases God when we pray for and honor all of those in authority because then we can live quiet and peaceful lives (1 Peter 2:17, 1 Timothy 2:1-3).  Moreover we are to give our leadership their respect and pray for our country because if our country prospers, those who love the Lord can prosper (Jeremiah 29:7).

We know there are some hard feelings that haven’t been assuaged by the non-stop rancor that dominates the news media.  As citizens, we have a right and responsibility to vigorously voice our opinions, protest unjust laws, write letters, or even run for office ourselves. But we who love the Lord must have the perspective that we can rise above the day to day back and forth and understand that while we give due respect to this world system, we are citizens of another kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:1).  We are going to place that will hold no elections, will need no pundits to explain the day’s news and will be glorifying our only God, our Saviour.  While others are worried, anxious, and unsettled, let us know that our God wants us to continue to look to Him who has an eternal home waiting for those who love Him.

Psalm 75:6-7
New International Version (NIV)

6 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.

7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.

Proverbs 21:1
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1 In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him

1 Peter 2:17
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17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

1 Timothy 2:1-3
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1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

Jeremiah 29:7
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7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

2 Corinthians 5:1

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1 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands