“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.”
Romans 13:1-2
Inauguration Day is this Wednesday, January 20, where President Trump and Vice-President Pence will no longer be our elected leaders, and President Biden and Vice-President Harris will be sworn in as our elected leaders. I can say with a high level of confidence that this outcome is not what most of you had hoped, campaigned, and prayed for. So where do you go from here?
- Emotionally – You may be confused, angry, frustrated, happy. No matter where you align on the emotional spectrum, this election as well as EVERY leadership and office of authority has “been instituted by God.” (Rom. 13:1). We can be at peace that the loving, all-knowing, all-powerful, perfect God of this universe has sovereignly placed each and every person who has authority in that position. God has been in control and remains in control. Does this make us happy with every decision our leaders make? No. Does this mean that decisions made by people in authority over us will always be pleasant and enjoyable or righteous? No. But we can take peace that in God’s sovereignty He either allows this to occur or is using this to occur for a greater outcome. God loves us more than we love us.
- Prayer – This Sunday’s message was on the filling and empowerment of the Holy Spirit which should encourage us all the more to be on our knees. Do you feel that President Biden and Vice-President Harris are your enemy? Or perhaps they would consider you to be their enemy? If you believe either is true, then Jesus makes it clear that we are to pray for them:
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:44-45)
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:27-28)
Let us be on our knees that the Lord would BLESS Biden & Harris these next four years. That God would give them wisdom beyond their understanding. They would come to know and trust Christ as their savior. The list of ways we can pray for their blessings are almost unlimited. We can also continue to pray for Trump, Pence, and their families in the same manner. The Holy Spirit is powerful to change hearts! - Our Calling – The awesome news is that no political office, whether local, national, or world-wide, changes our God-given mission as Christ’s Church. We are still called to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all that I (Christ) has commanded…” (Matt. 28:19-20). What is even better is that we do not require the blessing, commissioning, or empowerment of our governing authorities to do this. The Great Commission concludes with Jesus’ promise that He is with us to empower us to do these things.
