Discussion Board
This discussion board is intended to be an extension of our fellowship as a FAMILY of GOD from all nations and to foster our desire to passionately exalt Jesus Christ as Savior, Treasure and LORD over all of life, and to express His love through the transforming power of the Gospel.
| Put not your trust in politicians, but in God |
| Sunday, 22 January 2012 07:19 |
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“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God.”
(Psalm 146:3-5) These words are always a good reminder, but appear especially relevant as the political fervor increases in our nation in preparation for another presidential election. Just as the people of Israel were tempted to put their trust in the king’s sons, the next generation of potential leaders – the “princes” – so we are tempted to place our hope in presidential candidates and the next generation of political leadership. We are reminded by these verses, however, that “in a son of man … there is no salvation”. There have been a wide array of political and social leaders in the history of this country and planet, but none of mere human descent has every succeeded in addressing our deepest human needs and saving us from those things which most imperil our souls. Some have helped to ease temporal pain and increase order and security for their subjects, but even the best of them has succumb to death and failed to provide eternal life and reconciliation with our Maker. If you are placing your trust in a democratic, or republican, or libertarian (or pick your party) candidate, realize that he cannot save you. Even if he is elected and walks in integrity, he likely cannot live up to a fraction of his campaign promises, because he does not possess all wisdom, power, and benevolence. He will make mistakes. His plans will be thwarted by opposing parties, new tides of public opinion, or by death itself. And his own heart will be tempted to pride and the abuse of the power and authority entrusted to him. Therefore, “put not your trust in princes” or political candidates or any mere man. Rather, hope in the Lord. “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God.” It is the God of the Bible who “made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry … sets the prisoners free … opens the eyes of the blind … lifts up those who are bowed down … loves the righteous … watches over the sojourners … upholds the widow and the fatherless, [and] brings to ruin [the way of the wicked]” (Ps. 146:6-9). No political candidate can truly fulfill all your hopes or meet all your deepest needs. Only God can. And He has already established a ruler in whom we are to place our trust – to Jesus Christ God has given the throne of His father David. It is He who “will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:32-33) Of Him it is said, “The government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.” (Isa. 9:6-7) Through Him alone there is forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with our Maker, and eternal hope with God. So while you watch the political ongoings of our day and prepare to cast your vote this coming November, do not be lured into placing your hope in a political candidate or promoting a political agenda over, above, or instead of Jesus Christ, the King of kings. “The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!” (Ps. 146:10) |
