On the fourth day of the eleventh month, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and eight, Barak Hussein Obama began to reign over the United States of America. He continued to reign eight years until the eighth day of the eleventh month of the year of our Lord, two thousand and sixteen. He did that which was not right in the sight of the Lord…
If we lived in Old Testament times, this is how our current situation in America would read. It is up to us to decide how the story will end.
Perhaps you flinched in your spirit when you read the word “reigned”. Here in “the home of the free,” we take offense at the notion of someone ruling or reigning over us. We are free, you say. We have a President elected by the people, you say. The title of the man in charge makes no difference in the spiritual realm. King. President. No difference.
I grew up in a political family and cared very little for it. Once I was born again and began to read the Bible, I realized that the Kingdom of God has a whole lot to do with politics. In fact, God is very actively involved in the politics of nations.
Daniel 2:21 declares, “…he removeth kings, and setteth up kings:…”
My heart is heavy over the upcoming presidential election. Why? Because God’s heart is heavy over it. People often ask, “Why does it matter whether the President is a Christian or not?” They say, “It’s a job. A person’s faith is a private thing and should be kept separate.”
However, we know that true faith affects every area of our lives, private and public. People make life decisions based on the values dictated by their faith. If they do not regard their faith in decision making, then theirs is no faith at all. It seems to me no better to have a leader who is willing to compromise his faith than to have a leader with no faith at all.
Why would God concern Himself with who is the current leader of any nation? From the beginning, it was God’s desire to be King over His people. There were anointed Prophets and Judges that the people could inquire of to find the word and will of God, but He alone wanted to reign over them. It was in the time of the Prophet, Samuel, that the Israelites decided they wanted an earthly king to rule over them “like all the nations.” Both Samuel and the Lord took this request as a personal rejection, however, God granted the people’s request, and Saul was anointed King of Israel.
“Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.” (1 Samuel 8:4-7)
The day that Saul was anointed King, God further expressed His heart to the people.
“…Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you: And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us…” (1 Samuel 10:18-19)
From that time to this, there have been kings that did right in God’s sight and king’s that did evil in God’s sight. If you read in the books of Kings and Chronicles, you will see that it was always recorded very precisely which way a king reigned. A king who was unrighteous, did not consult God’s will or wisdom, was selfish and cruel, only regarded his desires and quest for power, would eventually lead his people into idolatry. God would allow the wicked leader, as well as the whole nation, to be overtaken by its enemies.
A king who was righteous, consulted God for wisdom and direction, put away idolatry from the land, considered his people and made decisions for their good. In return, God would deliver this righteous leader, as well as the whole nation, from its enemies. As went the ruler, so went the nation.
Here we are on the brink of perhaps the most important election in American history. With so much at stake, as Christians, we should be concerned and proactive in the election of our next King…I mean, President. Let’s not forget that the United States of America was founded on Christian principles, and this is why God’s hand of blessing has been upon her for these 240 years.
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Psalm 9:17)
When I look at the list of presidential candidates, I realize that no one person can right every wrong that plagues our great nation, even though there have been many campaign promises to that effect. Personally, I would rather have a leader that admits he needs help from his Creator, rather than one who brags that he can do it all without Him. God will step in and make up the difference for a president and a people who will humble themselves and seek Him for guidance.
I realize that the following scripture admonishes each individual to place themselves under the microscope of God’s word and will, making certain they have aligned their lives in obedience and full submission to Him. I think we should apply the same scrutiny to the calling and election of our next President.
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” (2 Peter 1:10)