In my time life I have been privileged to have toured the Capitol and the Whitehouse in Washington DC twice. It was easy…pretty much just walked in and looked around. My brother visited the Capitol also and even ran into the President (Nixon) walking down the hall. He stopped and chatted with my brother. That was a long time ago and in a different world.
What took place yesterday and into the night shocked me as we watched a mob take over and damage the halls of our government, overwhelm police and show little respect to authority. This is extremely disturbing. How should Christians respond to this?
I voted for Trump as many of us did because of his stand on abortion knowing human life is created in God’s image. He was also supportive of Israel, was for a strong military, appointed conservative judges and had some people of faith by his side. He had a spotted past that no Christian should admire. But there was hope for change since Pence was beside him. Even Samson, David and the Apostle Paul had significant sins in their past, but God changed them and He can change politicians too. I am thinking Trump and Biden.
As Christians we can find real comfort and direction in the Word about how to face the days ahead. Here are few Scriptures that come to mind and can help us rise up to make a difference in a positive way.
· Don’t fear: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6ff)
· Pray: “pray without ceasing; (1 Thes. 5:17)
· Spread the Gospel: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Mat. 28:19-20)
· Remember Jesus is going to return: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.” (Rev. 19:11ff)
· Look for His coming Kingdom: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. (Rev. 21:1ff)
Hear Dr. Al Mohler’s insightful comments on the problem here.
Finally, today is Christmas Day in Ukraine so “Merry Christmas;” they function on a different calendar. This day is something worth celebrating since it once was a Communistic/Socialist country and part of the U.S.S.R. where such holidays were not encouraged. But things can change for the good too. :-) Keep praying and enjoy some good borscht.
Pastor Mark