Trusting in princes
The recent election in the US and its results have prompted a variety of responses, from near-euphoria to near-panic. My wife saw a neighbor’s front-yard sign. In place of a marker urging a vote for a presidential candidate (the one who lost), it said “Remain Hysterical.” Some of my friends—both Christians and skeptics—have seemed near panic at the results of the election.
Two scriptures come to mind. Psalm 146:3 says, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” The point of the psalm seems to be that, while the Lord reigns forever, human beings come and go. While we humans can do great good and great evil during our short time on earth, only God remains forever. He remains an influence on earth, the psalm states, while people are only here temporarily.
The other scripture is 1 Timothy 2:1-4. The Apostle Paul wrote it, possibly during the reign of Nero Caesar. Of Nero, Britannica says, “He became infamous for his personal debaucheries and extravagances and, on doubtful evidence, for his burning of Rome and persecutions of Christians.” It is possible that the Apostle lost his life at the hands of Nero’s officials. What did he say, then, about how believers should relate to the Roman authorities? Here it is:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Believers need to keep a perspective that includes God and his ultimate designs for the world: for “all people to be saved.” My experience is that people—both believers and skeptics—who vilify government officials, are not also praying for those same officials. Through prayer, we can begin to see even powerful officials as human beings, as desperately in need of a savior as anyone else on the planet.
Throughout Christian history there have been great heroes and great villains. Some have attempted, and sometimes with great success to thwart the designs of God, but never permanently. More people know Jesus today than ever in history.
We can thank God for his hand in history and in our lives.
