NOT MY PRESIDENT!

“He (God) removes kings and sets up kings” Daniel 2:21. 

It may seem that the world is out of control and being ruled by men and women we feel we cannot trust, but this is far from the truth, because God is in control! The bible teaches people do not come to power by accident! In fact the opposite, God is the one who sets up kings and rulers for his purposes. 

No one can take up a place of power or authority unless God has ordained it. God uses the good, the bad and the ugly. God uses the unexpected to fulfill his purposes in world history. Some are put in place to speed something up or allow something to happen. Others are raised up to slow something down or to prevent something from happening. 

God hardened the heart of the Pharaoh to set in motion his plan to release his people from evil bondage and their escape from Egypt. God used the Pharaoh for his purposes. God used a pagan king, Cyrus king of Persia, a man of bloody conquests and cut throat politics, to rebuild the holy temple in Jerusalem and call back the Israelites from the Babylonian exile. God used Cyrus for his purposes. When Pontius Pilate told Jesus he had the power to have him crucified Jesus replied “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above” John 19:11. God used Pontius Pilate for his purposes.

Do not be so hasty to write a ruler or leader off. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8. Nothing is wasted in Gods economy he could be about to use him or her for some historic event which will bring about Gods purposes for mankind. "For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?" Isaiah 14:27.

All authority begins and ends with God and God is in control. Knowing this how should we act?

Firstly we should submit to those in authority over us. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” Romans 13:1. Secondly honour those in authority over us by having respect for their position. “Honour where honour is due” Romans 13:7. Finally pray for kings, and for all those in authority, that we might lead a peaceful life” 1 Timothy 2:1-2.