This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
II Timothy 3:1
For conservative, patriotic Americans we might say with Dickens in A Tale of Two Cities: It was the best of times (2016-2020) and it was the worst of times (Jan 2021 – present). At least as far as presidential leadership in our country is concerned .
No doubt these are trying, yes “perilous” times in the world around us with wars and a general coming off the rails of everything. Within our borders (do we even have borders?) we’re slipping rapidly into socialism, Marxism, and yes even communistic totalitarianism!
Many are looking for a red wave in November 2022 and a new president in 2024. But, what if not?! Pray yes, vote yes, but the Bible doesn’t promise all will be well (without persecution?!) in the USA for His people until Jesus comes back. All the while, in the rest of the world believers are suffering. Ethnocentric wishful thinking.
Believers sometimes go to extremes when it comes to political involvement. On one hand, there are the let the country go to the dogs crowd who count it literally a sin to vote. On the other hand, there are those professing Christians who have replaced the Great Commission with reconstructionism, or saving America!
Truth is, we have an historically unique situation as Christians in the United States. We have the right to participate (ask a Chinese Christian if they would like to vote) in government and even have our religious liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. So it would seem foolish not to exercise our rights and privileges as U.S. citizens.
As believers we know that our sovereign God rules in the affairs of this world.
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.
Psalm 75:6,7
We can trust Him for all matters of time and eternity, even for those He allows to rule in the affairs of this world. For He will ultimately rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! (Rev. 19) We will finally see the end of all tyranny and the ushering in of His benevolent reign.
SO, lets not forget that our permanent citizenship is not here, but in HEAVEN and our hope is an eternal hope.
Our focus must always remain on “things above” with the most important being our Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
Let us always remember: Our most important citizenship is in heaven. Our message is the great commission, the gospel of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, AND our marching orders till Jesus comes back have not changed.
Your Pastor and Friend
Rick DeMichele