KEEP TRUE

 

This week we celebrate Christmas—the coming of Christ into our world. But, He was not welcome. He entered the world in a stable and was executed with three spikes.  John says, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.”(John 1:11). In judging Him unworthy to be their King, Israel brought judgment upon themselves. That is the course our country is following. 

America is in a perilous position. The nation has faced many assaults in the past. Two weeks ago, on December 7, we were reminded of the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor that launched us into World War 2. Now, another attack has come again from Asia—an unseen enemy.  

As physically deadly as COVID-19 can be to some, what has happened in our response is to jeopardize, “the land of the free and home of the brave.”  Growing government tyranny and the attack on cherished freedoms such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to bear arms, along with the decline of our economy through lockdowns, while embracing the butchering of babies in the womb and parading of perversion in the streets is more frightening.  I don’t take this virus lightly. I could die from it. But, the virus of sin is worse!  Jesus said, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

How will the church respond to living in a hostile world?  The encouragement is that the church in its infancy grew and flourished in a pagan culture where they were hated and hurt.  So, may we.  Jesus promised that His church would march to victory and the gates of hell would not be able to withstand her. Paul was in bonds, but the Gospel was not bound (2:9). He was leading prison guards and prisoners to faith, and some of those soldiers would wind up as Imperial guards and witness to those of Caesar’s household!  He was penning powerful words that are still changing lives today. May God help us keep true!

THE LEADERS WE NEED

Do government leaders reflect the morals of the people or do government leaders direct the morality of the people?  Are they thermometers or thermostats?  Some of both, I think. Since the leaders come from among the people, they should be expected to often be as the people, but since they have influence over the citizens, they make a difference in the climate of the culture.  For good or bad, government leaders can set the tone, even as they are sons of the times.  Proverbs 29 has something to say about this.

1.  LEADERS CAN BRING BURDENS OR BLESSINGS.   “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” (‭v.2‬). We can rejoice the day that a good leader is elected, but will rue the day that a godless one is.

2. LEADERS CAN UNDERGIRD OR UNDERMINE.  
“The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.” (v.4‬).  The leader’s policies will be built on a foundation of stone or sand.

3. LEADERS CAN BE WISE OR WICKED. “If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked.” (v.12‬).  A leader’s administration will feature those of delightful or demonic counsel, mirroring the leader’s heart.

4. LEADERS CAN BE COMPASSIONATE OR CRUEL.  “The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.” (v.14‬). How the powerful relate to the powerless says much about the leaders.

5.  LEADERS MAY BRING EARTHLY REWARD, BUT THE LORD BESTOWS ETERNAL REWARD. “Many seek the ruler’s favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD.” (v.26‬).  It may be that God’s people get no justice here, but they are guaranteed by a Sovereign God to get it hereafter!

King David was Solomon’s father.  Solomon, who penned these words had a son, Rehoboam who would become king.  David was a man after God’s own heart, and a great king—though not a perfect man.  Solomon succeeded his father and was superior in the material prosperity and military power he brought to the kingdom, but declined over time spiritually.  Just read Ecclesiastes to see how he spiraled downward. Rehoboam’s reign would degenerate further and the kingdom would deteriorate and divide.  The nation would never be the same.

It has been said that, “In a democracy, people get the leaders they deserve.” Nations are born, grow strong, decline, and die. It is comforting to know that the Kingdom of God abides forever!