God's Vote

“He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle…. He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: he enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again.” (Job 12:18, 23)

In the aftermath of the recent election in the United States I have heard some very harsh statements made against the elected officials. Many Christians are concerned, and often rightfully so, about the direction western civilization is headed as we see the erosion of many ethics and freedoms. However, as Job declared so long ago, it is God that places those individuals in places of authority. That, then, means that when individuals despise those in authority they are in fact despising God’s authority.

God told Nebuchadnezzar, who was declared by God himself to be the pinnacle of Gentile civilization as a “head of gold” (Daniel 2:38), that “the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.” (Daniel 4:32) Nebuchadnezzar subsequently came to the realization that God “doeth according to his will…among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” (Daniel 4:35)

As believers we know that God does not change, so it matters not whether the rulers of men come to power by appointment, conquest or election—God is still in control! This, then, brings new meaning to Paul’s words in the book of Colossians. God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son…For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.” (Col 1:16)

And yet there is a greater truth that follows—one that should change our whole perspective on the affairs of the kingdoms of men. “He [Christ] is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.” (Col 1:18) The Son of God—the Lord Jesus Christ—will have the pre-eminence and as believers we are his body the Church that will “reign with him.” (2 Tim 2:12) That is much better than putting our trust in a human leader or the outcome of an election!

-A.N. Scharf