But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you” (Eph. 5:13-14).
“Righteousness dignifies a nation, but sin disgraces a people.” Proverbs 14:34 (CEB)
“When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” Proverbs 29:2 (NLT)
America has been in serious trouble for some time. I previously wrote several posts in 2019, What Is Happening To America?, What Is Happening To America? (Pt. 2), after pondering the cultural shifts taking place in the nation and the world. I sense that America was in trouble. Since then I continue to encourage readers to pray for America. At that time there was chaos over border security, talk of building a wall, a potential government shutdown, political drama being played out daily in the news media. Shortly thereafter a deadly shooting took place in El Paso, Texas leaving 20 dead, dozens killed in Christchurch mosque shooting, and the first impeachment trial of Donald Trump.
Fast forward to today’s the January 6 insurrection truly challenges everything I believe about America’s belief in it’s constitution, and democracy and equality for all. Today’s top headline stories continue to reflect the state of American politics as gun violence, immigration infighting, Covid-19 variants continue: “The House spectacle highlights a key difference between parties”, “McCarthy fights to lock own a deal in longest speaker contest in 164 years”, “Trump troubles mount as special counsel gets new 2020 evidence”, “A brief taxonomy on Christian nationalism”. “BB.1.5 may be ‘most transmissible subvariant of Omicron to date,’ scientists warn”, “Multiple People Wounded in Shooting Near Florida Restaurant”, “Evacuations ordered as California ‘bomb cyclone’ unleashes powerful winds, heavy rain; state of emergency declared”, and other noteworthy issues that are impacting the nation.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
George Santayana
America’s first President, George Washington wrote a profound prophetic assessment in his farewell public letter warning of the potential for future political factions to seek to obstruct the execution of the laws created by the government or to prevent the branches of government from exercising the powers provided to them by the constitution. In light of Washington’s thoughts it is evident that we are witnessing much of this in our current political culture: January 6 insurrection, stolen elections, conspiracy theories, a house divided amongst itself. At the time of this writing the House of Representatives have gone through 10 failed attempts to elect a speaker of the United States House of Representatives. People look to their governments for leadership and solutions, but what happens when government leadership is in disarray? What can citizens expect from government representatives when they fail to elect a leader or can’t swear in newly elected representatives until a leader is elected.
The Speaker is the House’s presiding officer, party leader, and the institution’s administrative head, among other duties. As the presiding officer of the House, the Speaker maintains order, manages its proceedings, and governs the administration of its business. Along with these duties the Speaker is second in the United States presidential line of succession, after the vice president and ahead of the president pro tempore of the Senate. How is this possible when our leaders are clearly divided belong parties lines and unable to elect someone capable of performing these functions. As of January 3, 2023 a Speaker has not been elected after 10 failed attempts. “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
Let’s consider what the Bible says about the role of the state:
“Every person should place themselves under the authority of the government. There isn’t any authority unless it comes from God, and the authorities that are there have been put in place by God” Romans 13:1 (CEB).
In my studies on the topic of God and government, Romans 13 makes it clear that God is the source of all authority. Romans 13 is written to the Christian church to instruct them on how to view secular authority. It’s central concern is the righteousness and justice of God. Government derives its authority from God. This is not to say that God approves of every form of government or of everyone who holds governmental office.
Many believe that God actually selects our leaders and puts them in place. But this not what the Bible tells us. God established government for the purposes of .. In these post my aim is to share God’s view and intentions on the establishment of government from His throne. ““Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before You.” Psalm 89:14 (NASB)
If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must Man be of learning from experience.
George Bernard Shaw
Where do we go from here?
No doubt this is a wake up call to America and the church. God desires our political leaders regardless of what party they represent to “form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity,” for all citizens.
For America to become great in God’s eyes we must turn to God as it’s source of all that we have, all that we are and all that we believe! As Paul noted in …, the law alone, even God’s law, is insufficient to make human beings moral. We are experiencing a shaking unlike any other as we await God’s kingdom expansion. Foundations are crumbling as the kingdom of God is breaking through. “See to it that you don’t resist the one who is speaking. If the people didn’t escape when they refused to listen to the one who warned them on earth, how will we escape if we reject the one who is warning from heaven? 26 His voice shook the earth then, but now he has made a promise: Still once more I will shake not only the earth but heaven also.[c] 27 The words “still once more” reveal the removal of what is shaken—the things that are part of this creation—so that what isn’t shaken will remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s continue to express our gratitude.[d] With this gratitude, let’s serve[e] in a way that is pleasing to God with respect and awe, 29 because our God really is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:25-28 (CEB)
My prayer continues to be that as a nation we look to the true source of life, Father God for understanding and guidance on how to navigate through these difficult times. We are living in perilous times, yet as Believers we are not to be alarm. During this time of chaos it is God’s people called by His name who must humble themselves and pray and seek his face and turn from their wicked ways, if we are to hear from heaven and be forgiven our sins and see God restore our land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NASB)
Notes: All scripture references are taken from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise noted.
- Pruitt, Sarah. George Washington Warned Against Political Infighting in His Farewell Address. History.com. 18 Feb. 2020. https://www.history.com/news/george-washington-farewell-address-warnings. Accessed 16 May 2022.
Advertisements
BEYOND CHURCH WALLS 