Chris' Corner -- Sunday, January 24, 2021
We understand the truth that God rules in the affairs of men. The Bible clearly states this fact. The great prophet, Daniel, said, God, “changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:21).
Daniel said again, “This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men” (’4:17, 25, 32; 5:21). God ordained government, and He rules over it (Romans 13:1-7).
When we tell an unbelieving wicked world, God is in charge, they look at the condition of the world and harden their hearts. They ask, “How can this be? The world is a mess!” They don’t see God because they are part of the mess. When you are part of the problem you can’t see the forest for the trees.
Paul described the condition of the Ephesians before they became Christians. This would be the same for anyone who isn’t a Christian today. “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness” (Ephesians 4:17–19).
We know the condition of the world is bad, because the majority of people have allowed the devil to rule in their lives. “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19). Take some time and read these passages of scripture: John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:1-3.
On the other hand we have escaped the clutches of Satan. “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:14, 15; cf. 2 Timothy 2:25, 26; Colossians 1:13; Ephesians 6:10-12).
When we are convicted of sin and trust and obey God’s commands to rid ourselves of the consequences of those sins, we now see the power God has in this world. Nothing will be perfect here. Perfection is reserved for heaven after this world and the devil are destroyed (2 Peter 3:3-13).
In the meantime God has always ruled this world, and overruled what men might think they will do. People will continue to be evil. God will continue to be patient and longsuffering because He’s not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, God sometimes allows men to do what they will do. But He also will use these things against them to possibly bring about their repentance.
With this drastic change in government, what does God have in store for us in this country? Is the Almighty ready to bring us to our knees by unleashing His power to fight against us? I’m not trying to be some preacher of doom. I’m trying to be realistic and learn from history and God’s word.
We can’t know what God plans to do. Those things are in the realm of His providence. What we can know, is to use His word to find strength and remain faithful in spite of what we may have to face. Remember, God not only “removes kings and raises up kings…” He also “gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:21).
Brethren, difficult times may be ahead, but it’s not a time to fear, worry, and fret. It’s a time to trust Him who rules, and resolve to keep our faith strong!
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