This week has been an interesting and difficult week in American politics. The disparity of views and perceptions is particularly pronounced along racial lines, even within the Church. Regardless of your political affiliation, your view of the candidates, or what you feel is appropriate for post-election activism, Christians are to be reminded of God’s work in government, and our accountability to Him. Satan is a great deceiver and if we are deceived in this area and fall short, we can be lost.
God’s work is clear and a foundation for understanding that rulers whether good or evil, are in power because of God. Consider the following: “This matter is by…the demand by the word of the holy ones: to 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” (Dan. 4:17). The Psalmist said, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another” (Psa. 75:6-7). Paul said, “…For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation” (Rom. 13:1b-2). And Jesus retains all power in Heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18). We can’t fully rationalize the ‘why’ of wicked rulers in authority, but somehow they fit God purposes (Rom. 8:28, Isa. 46:9-11).
Satan is a great deceiver (John 8:44), as are the wicked, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Tim. 3:13). But we, like Timothy, are admonished to, “…continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them…thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation…” (2 Tim. 3:15). Christians are commanded to “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king” (1 Pet. 2:17). And we have clear exhortation from inspired scripture: “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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour” (1 Tim. 2:1-3). God’s guidance is clear.
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Even if you’re of the opinion that Trump or Clinton is the devil incarnate, it’s good to be reminded that, “Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil…durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee” (Jude 1:9). If we have those who are deceived and become as spots and blemishes among us, let’s not ourselves be deceived, but love and gently admonish them to repentance.
–Matthew Johnson