Isaiah 9:6 To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. . .
In light of current political tensions, concern for being misquoted, misunderstood and mistreated seems to be the expectation not the exception among the politically savvy. I would not place myself in that category by a mile, but a mild concern for being nailed to someone’s dartboard for a well-meaning blog has crossed my mind. However, timing has never been my forte’ so I appeal to good reason and soft hearts.
I watched the debates. Loved every second of the banter, wit, wry smiles and seemingly friendly jabs at inconsistencies. Final remarks and then handshakes all around. I felt good about America. It’s future. I was proud to be an American and to be part of the process. Then I flip the channel and realized I had been watching the wrong debate. It turns out my guy is the anti-christ and eats children. I was amazed–frightened at what I didn’t know. Then I turned the channel for solace and discovered from another correspondent that the other guy in the debate sells drugs in his spare time and is a noted necrophiliac. I was equally disturbed. It turns out what I thought was a kind-hearted dialogue over the future of America was actually a reenactment of Gears of War (for my nerd friends). I had no idea. I turned the TV off and stared at the spinning blades of our overhead fan. I was dizzy from the round and round and round. After a moment I realized while what just happened makes for good TV and even better conversations, it really doesn’t tell the entire story. I had a twinge of stress rising up. As I closed my eyes however, I was encouraged by our God who is not stressed over November’s vote. He has the “gov’t on his shoulders…”. He is in control of the fate of our government and who rules it.
Proverbs 21:1 says, “The heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” Good news for those of us who battle for control and the control of others.
Ultimately, I am glad to be an American. That is, I am grateful God sovereignly placed me here at this time (Acts 17); however my world view cannot be (and should not be) America-centric. In other words, it is in God’s pervue to raise up nations and it is His pleasure to dispose of them. So while I live in America and participate in its democratic process, God in his wisdom, is writing the story for His glory.
My commitment until November 6 is to enjoy the conversation, vote my conscience and trust God that he is guiding nations, not unto themselves, but unto himself, for His glory.
My perspective as well…and so needed right here, right now. Thankful for a pastor and friend with bold commitment to truth.