Those who regularly read what I write know of my growing disappointment, sorrow, fear, and anger over the repugnant direction of our culture, and of a large swath of those sitting in Protestant and Catholic churches.
And from time to time I am quiet enough to listen to the Lord tell me He really, really ‘is’ in control of governments, of those who govern, and of those who are governed.
Of course, I quickly forget His counsel. It has always, for my nearly 50 years of walking with the Lord, it has always been too easy for me to take my eyes off the Lord and focus on the waves – and then nearly drown under the water.
A few nights ago, the Lord spoke once again to me about this same subject. He reminded me of Pharaoh and his army. The pompous leader of Egypt and his army were the most feared and powerful people in the then-known world. But St Paul, quoting God’s words to Moses in Exodus 9:17-18, tells us:
“For the Scripture tells Pharaoh: I raised you up for this reason so that I may display My power in you and that My name may be proclaimed in all the earth. So then, He shows mercy to those He wants to, and He hardens those He wants to harden.”
In other words, God elevated Pharaoh and his army ‘specifically’ to make known God’s absolute power and authority throughout not only the then-known world, but through the ages themselves – even to this very moment as you read this.
Yes, God often has to remind me things are not falling apart; they are falling into place. God is still on His throne. He still orchestrates events – perhaps ‘choreographs’ is the better word – God is still choreographing governments, and those who govern, and those who are governed, to do what He decreed ages ago must and will happen, so that His name and His glory will be trumpeted throughout all time, space, and creation itself.
He reminded me – and I hope to remind you – trust Him. He is the almighty and transcendent Creator who works all things after the counsel of His own will.
All things. Everything. Nothing and no one – regardless of their name, their title, position, wealth, popularity, or any other temporal thing – nothing and no one is outside of God's control.
Yes, every knee will bow, and every tongue will ultimately confess – Jesus Christ is Lord.
All glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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2 comments:
So glad you wrote this, Richard. We know from Sacred Scripture that God brings good out of evil. While the evil we see so blatantly paraded by people who are supposed to be our leaders, but who engage in the advocation of baby killing, all sorts of calumny and slander, and the promotion of totalitarian socialism can be intimidating, God is greater and stronger than their evil.
My refuge is in daily prayer that the hand of Satan be struck from our country and that every knee bend to Our Lord Jesus Christ. The evil will not disappear until it is fully brought into the light, which is horrifying and painful for those of us who are very sensitive to sin, but we must never doubt God's plan. I am often reminded of the many psalms that contain the theme of the righteous man suffering at the hands of the wicked and declaring the fate of the evil ones at the hand of the Lord. Hope always in God who is forever faithful to His promises, and remember that the road to heaven follows the path of the Cross.
" . . . and remember that the road to heaven follows the path of the Cross."
Yes. Too many Christians have not heard that biblical truth for decades -- if they have ever heard it. Surely that is one reason for the silence in so many churches about the evil around us. Thanks for commenting, Barb.
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