Democracy by God, under God

I am so grateful to live in a country with a democratic process. This is a huge blessing and just as big a responsibility. Yet even in that responsibility, I have complete confidence in the sovereignty of God in the appointment of governments and leaders.

Romans 13:1 says that God institutes leaders:

"...For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God."

Paul says this concerning governmental authorities. The most incredible thing to me is that he wrote this when the emperor Nero was in power. This man killed tens of thousands of Christians, yet Paul trusted firmly in the divine plan of God to somehow use even a narcissistic maniac to bring about his purpose for the Church. So God is in control of nations, and the United States is under God.  From Washington to Lincoln and from Roosevelt to Obama, God remains sovereignly seated on the throne of heaven and is always working toward his kingdom. Like us, our leaders will answer to God.

Regardless of who our leaders are at a given time in history, we do well to remember that Christ has called us into a Kingdom that is much greater than this one. Our task in this life, as aliens and sojourners, is to labor for the Gospel and for the future Kingdom. Let's labor while there is time!

Yeah, we have a duty and obligation to vote and to be active in the legislative process. Our voices should be heard. Men have died for our right and our voice. But I believe it was Jesus Christ who once said to an earthly ruler who seemed in the moment to be "in charge:"

"My kingdom is not of this world..."

Let's remained focused on the Gospel work and the Kingdom that is already, but not yet, and that will last forever. Our hope is not in man, or men, or elections or nations. Our hope is in The Lord.