"And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood."
-- Revelation 1:5
America turns 410 this year with the founding of Jamestown in 1607. For nearly three centuries, our governmental leaders recognized the importance of celebrating the gracious and providential goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ through our nation's birth. But today there are those in and out of government who are intent on belittling our nation's Christian past and painting the Jamestown settlers as blood-thirsty cannibals, environmental terrorists and worse.
Throughout several past decades, many have worked their way into positions of power and influence within our American government who have as their private goal the eradication of Christianity in America (I have in my own library many quotes to that effect). They have forgotten that Jesus Christ (the One from whom Christianity has its life) is the Ruler of all governments, and thus their ruler as well. It behooves us who have a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ to remember the words of Christ regarding those who war against the truth: "These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen and faithful" (Revelation 17:14).
We therefore need to be faithful to speak out declaring the truth of Christ's working throughout history. We need to remember that He said this to us: "You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you" (Matthew 10:18-20).
We have an opportunity, with a new administration in place, to remind all employees of the government of "we the people" that no government succeeds without prayerfully depending on Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. His wisdom is the wisdom that brings to an end poverty, unemployment, rebellion, vandalism, hate, murder, etc., and wisdom that can truly usher in peace. We can ask individuals in government, and joining with them ourselves, to pray for a sweeping of the Holy Spirit of Christ throughout Washington, D.C., and across our land. This sweeping work of Christ provided the opportunity for the creation of our U.S. Constitution, so it can again provide an opportunity for the government and its people to be bathed in the Wisdom of Christ. May it be so, dear Lord. Amen.
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Editor's note: Jim Duncan is the pastor of Mountain Bible Church, Mountain, Mo. The opinions expressed are those of the author. He may be contacted at P.O. Box 146, Pea Ridge, AR 72751; or by telephone at 417-341-8504; by email at [email protected]. His Website is jamesduncan-writer.net.
Religion on 02/08/2017