Some call it coincidence, some call it luck; I call it the sovereign hand of God! For five days a week for the last 10+ months, we have been blogging through the Bible. Now as the calendar reads the first week of November, and we are still trying to get through this election season, we just so happen to be studying through the book of Romans. Not just any part of Romans mind you, but specifically the part where Paul talks about a Christians responsibilities as it pertains to their government. I couldn’t plan this if I tried, but God sure did. Therefore, I think it is important that we read through this and understand Paul’s instructions to us. Before we get to the verse, I want to give a little background. Remember, Paul wrote out Christian doctrine in Romans 1-11. Then, in Romans 12, he started writing out how we live it out practically. He told the Romans and us in Romans 12 that we are to “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” What does that look like practically? It means that we love those whom God loves. It means that we call sin what it is. It means we live a life of repentance, that is running from sin and running towards God. That was all in Romans 12. Now, as we turn the page, Paul starts to write about Christians and their government. It is worth reminding ourselves that the early church did not live in a democratic republic like the United States of America has. They did not hold elections every few years. The Romans citizens didn’t get to participate in the governing process. The church had no concept of religious freedom. Truthfully, Christians were looked down on. They were persecuted, and many of them were martyred. While we as Christians talk about how our government is becoming openly hostile towards us, that was the norm for the early church. I imagine they would have enjoyed the freedoms that we enjoy right now, and they would probably laugh at all of our complaining in light of what they experienced. Yet, in spite of all of this, the New Testament is crystal clear that Christians are to obey the government. Why? Paul answers that question in Romans 13:1, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”
Christians are to submit to and obey the government, because it has been ordained by God. Therefore, in this sense, yes, God did ordain Donald Trump to be the 45th President of the United States of America. Just as God ordained the previous 44 Presidents. Is it time for a 46th President or will we hold at 45 for four more years? I honestly have no idea, but God does, and that is the point. God is the One who is in control over all human events. Paul goes on in Romans 13 to say that if you resist the government, you are resisting God. He also says that God has given the government the right to execute justice over those they govern. The two principles that should guide our voting are seeking to good for all people, and candidates who will establish and uphold justice. Paul also says in Romans 13 that if you obey the government, you don’t have to fear the government. Again, remember, Paul is not writing from a place of religious freedom. He knew the corruption of human government. He would ultimately lose his life due to corrupt politicians. We don’t have to fear as long as we obey, because God sees our obedience, and God has a plan for our life. It is ultimately God that we should be seeking to please, because we will all stand before Him one day. On that day, we will give an account for our life, and God will judge rightfully. One day, justice will be served for all.
Therefore, don’t lose sight of eternity by focusing on this election. Whatever God has ordained will be what happens. No matter what happens, it will be for God’s glory and His children’s good, even if that means persecution on the church. Regardless of the outcome of the election, we as Christians know who is in control, and how this ultimately ends. While we await Jesus’ return, we still must love God, love others, and make disciples of all nations. We can do those things regardless of who is in the White House, so let’s get busy doing them while we wait.
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Justin
Yes this is so helpful at a time when we might be down trodden. I f we were never told the winner would much change,? So much of our feelings are controlled by information , be it good we are happy so lets try to obey Jesus, think of His wonderous love, know He is the power, decorate our hearts with His Holy Words and let the U S have their president and we have our KING.
This really helps me, Thanks for doing this in a much needed time of confusion. God Bless.