Saturday, November 19, 2022

Pastor's Ponderings, November 19, 2022

God Presides Over Our Leaders

 

We are blessed to live in a country that allows civil liberties and free political participation.  Laurenz Gehrke wrote an article in the January 22, 2020 Politico, entitled, Democracy ‘in retreat’ globally, report warns.    The article further warned that, “The Democracy Index for 2019 found that democratic backsliding across the world has led to the worst score since the index was first produced in 2006, with only 5.7 percent of the global population living in what could be considered a “full democracy.”

 

Much of the media for the last few months has focused on who will oversee the United States of America’s destiny.  In the recent election, the expected results did not go as expected.  Upsets abounded and predictions were inaccurate. No doubt we will see surprises over the next few months as we make further political decisions.

 

Will we focus on the future, on past candidates or will we decide that as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord? (Joshua 24:15). It is important that people choose their leaders in our democracy, but we must understand that God is totally in charge.  He raises some and puts down others (Psalm 75:6-7).  He controls even the hearts of our leaders (Proverbs 21:1).

 

What should those who love the Lord do during the ebbs and flows of politics?  We should pray for all people, especially those in authority so that we can live quiet lives (1 Timothy 2:1-3).  As God leads us, we should be good citizens and make our opinions known through support, organizing, voting but most of all making intercession for wisdom for those above. God wants us to ask Him for wisdom, but we must remember our Father is in charge.

 

Joshua 24:15

New International Version

15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

 

Psalm 75:6-7

New International Version

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

New International Version

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

 

1 Timothy 2:1-3

New International Version

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 
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,

 

 

 

 

 

 

No comments: