Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, November 7, 2016

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“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: For wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, And knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness, And the light dwelleth with him.” (Daniel 2:19–22).

Today I think it more than appropriate to share a bit of unconventional wisdom at this critical time in earth’s history.

As the world looks on, the United States of America is preparing to elect its next president (simple enough). In the minds of many, the U.S. has represented freedom and a hopeful “by the people” approach to governance. Despite the many tribulations, wars, and travesties of justice (and there have been far too many), this country that the prophet John saw coming out of a sparsely populated place also represented hope to those who wanted to worship according to their conscience and not the prescribed dogma, which supplanted the Bible in Papal religion (Revelation 13:11).

Indeed, either Lady Justice has secretly peeked by her blindfold at times, or we have locked her in a room so she could not balance the scales in favor of the right, but the God of justice is still watching. Indeed, many have chosen to manipulate our duly ordained system of government to dictate how religion must act, feel, or from where it may originate for it to be “acceptable.” Yet, God still holds out mercy, so we will hopefully see that there is a pure religion that helps the helpless and refuses to subjugate conscience. With these and other complexities we must continue struggle. For these and other complexities we must cast our votes on the side of righteousness.

I know many are now trying to forecast where I am going with this. Let me help you. Far be it from me to say one or the other candidate or party is the “holy” choice, so let’s get that straight. However, what is holy is our obligation to pray as we, in the spirit of Romans 13, lend our support to the authorities and powers who answer to God, whether they realize it or not. What is holy is our obligation and privilege to vote on the side of freedom and justice for all, despite the temptation to throw up our hands in frustration. What if our forbearers gave up the fight when the going got tough during the Civil War? What if our forbearers gave up the fight when they shed their blood in the struggle rule to ourselves, by ourselves, independent of monarchical rule? What if our forbearers gave up the fight as they marched, sat it, boycotted, gave their lives, watched loved ones maimed during the Civil Rights Movement?

Are things perfect? The answer is obvious. However, we must choose, against weariness, apathy, hate, frustration, and anything else, to be the change of which we seek. We must continually make our voices known, if not for us, for those who will live after we are gone. It must not be said that we gave up the fight. Moreover, as is highlighted in our theme text, YHWH is active in the process! I know this is hard to believe, especially when it seems some of our politicians are averse to God’s counsel. Yet, Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, and many others have historically come onto, and passed off the scene well under the providence of God. Despite the ills our earth has suffered under the rule of evil kings, despots, and rulers, God has not turned His back. Despite the fact that some politicians make poor choices (just like Israel did when they sought an earthly king to replace God), He has been gracious enough to work with people to bring about His will.

One day soon, all earthly governments will...