It's the day after Election Day. All across America some people are smiling and some are wearing frowns. Winners are basking in Electoral College ecstasy while losers are somberly anticipating the next four years.
Today you may be feeling a little more secure---or pessimistic---depending on which end of the political seesaw you find yourself teetering. Whether you are up or down let me share with you a few words from an old politician.
Abraham Kuyper was the Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1901 to 1905. He was a man who understood politics and God. At the dedication to the Amsterdam Free University, Kuyper uttered these words that continue to reverberate around the world:
There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: 'Mine!' [1]
Thank you Dr. Kuyper! Our hope does not rest in the man who resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The White House is not God's House. That said, the person who occupies that incredible position of power is ultimately there because God ordained it. God tells us this three times in Daniel 4.
The Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.
Daniel 4:17, 25, 32
Note to self: God's in charge![2]
It is precisely because God is in charge that I can and must GLADLY give my political leaders what God says I owe them:
I must place myself under our political leaders' authority.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,for he is God's servant for your good. Romans 13:1-4 ESV
I must give our political leaders respect.
Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Romans 13:7 ESV
I must pray for our political leaders in order that we may live in peace.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 ESV
Yes, in some elections this is easier to do than others, but ultimately Christians rest in the God of Heaven, not the man in Washington D.C.
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[1] David K. Naugle. Worldview: The History Of A Concept. Grand Rapids: Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing. 2002. Page 16.
[2] Our church is in a sermon series, Note To Self. Thanks to my friend and SRC elder Greg Hazle for sending me this salient reminder yesterday, "Note to self: God's in charge!"