In a phone conversation with our oldest son this morning, we talked about witnessing two historic events within one week. On November 2, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series after 108 years of waiting, and on November 8, Donald Trump won the general election to become the 45th President of the United States. Not everyone, however, is enthusiastic about those two events, especially the latter. As it stands right now, there’s about a 50/50 split in the popular vote for this presidential election. That means roughly half of our country is unhappy and perhaps angry about the outcome of this election. So, where do we go from here?
First of all, regardless of your feelings about Mr. Trump, we are told in Scripture to honor those who are in authority over us (Romans 13:1-7). That doesn’t mean we have to like them personally or agree with all of their policies, but it does mean we show respect for the office they hold, which God has ordained. In 1 Peter 2:17b, Peter said to “Honor the king.” In his case, the “king” at the time was Nero, not a very admirable character.
Second, we must realize that God is sovereign over the affairs of men. This is stated five times in Daniel Chapter 4, a lesson that Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way. Here are the references:
“[T]o the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men” (Daniel 4:17b).
“[T]he Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Daniel 4:25b).
“[T]hy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule” (Daniel 4:26b).
“[K]now that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Daniel 4:32b).
“[A]nd I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion…” (Daniel 4:34b).
The Bible also says, “He changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings” (Daniel 2:21a). Our hope must not be in man or in Washington, D.C., but in the Lord who has all authority in heaven and on earth. Our faith and trust must be in Him!
Third, we have an obligation as believers to pray for those in authority over us. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). If we prayed more for our leaders and complained less, perhaps things might be different. Will you pledge to pray for our new president and his administration? Ask God to give him wisdom from above and courage to lead this great nation of ours.
Fourth, we should not gloat or pout over the outcome and we should not be caught up in divisive and ugly attacks upon others. We are to “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). This is a time to seek healing and reconciliation, to forgive and be forgiving. God cannot bless a bad or hateful attitude.
Fifth, we need to practice the love of God and care for the downtrodden and the oppressed. “Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy” (Psalm 82:3). “Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:17). We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus and share the love of Christ at such a critical time in our culture. As followers of Jesus, we can and should do no less.
After the War between the States, which some refer to as the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln had the enormous task of trying to unify a very divided nation. In his second inaugural address, given on March 4, 1865, he said: “As was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said: ‘The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.’ With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”
Where do we go from here? We embrace and practice what we know to be true in the Scriptures. The world is watching. Let’s show them what we believe!