Life on the Pasture

The other day, much was made of President Trump’s declaration that he had total authority when it came to ending some of the COVID-19 restrictions and getting the country back to work. Governors around the country quickly reminded the President that the Constitution says otherwise. In fact, some started referring to him as “King Trump.” (As a side note, it is fair to keep in mind that Andrew Jackson, the founder of the Democratic Party and President from 1829-1837, was called “King Andrew the First” back in his day. Throughout the history of our country, no President has been perfect or escaped public criticism.)

Have you ever thought about what you would do if you were President or Governor during this time? It’s very easy to say, “That’s dumb. He shouldn’t do that.” It’s more challenging to come up with an actual plan to work through things for a solution. Which is why the advisers one chooses to surround oneself with are so important. As Proverbs 11:14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”

Chances are remote that one of us will be elected Governor or President. But can we still advise? In our system of government, we do have the freedom to express our thoughts through communicating with our elected officials or even taking part in a peaceful protest – freedoms which many in other parts of the world do not have. In some countries, the idea of talk radio which would allow opinions contrary to the government is unheard of.

But as followers of our Lord Jesus, there is more we can do. We can pray for our leaders, asking the Lord to grant them guidance, wisdom, and a humble spirit that recognizes there is only one real King – King Jesus.

It is interesting to read in Acts 26 about St. Paul who had been imprisoned for an extended period of time and was called to speak before King Agrippa. Paul did not take the opportunity to bash his opponents and plead his case as far as why he should be released. Rather, he used the opportunity to share the saving Gospel of our Lord Jesus. Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long — I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” (Acts 26:28-29)

And so we are faced with another challenge during this time: Pray for our leaders and all their advisers, even if we don’t always agree with them, that they would be granted wisdom and guidance from our Lord and work together for the common good. 

Will God actually do that? If he could use rulers like Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus to accomplish His will, He will do the same in our day as well.

– Pastor Schmidt

Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash