How Should We Think About the Events of Last Week (01-09-20)

January 14th, 2021
by Drew Buell

By any measure, last week was a terrible week for our nation.
For reasons that need no further explanation, it was a particularly bad week for conservatives in this country.

In light of the anxiety that so many of us are feeling about the days to come, I want to remind all of us that no that matter who sits in the White House, no matter who holds the gavel in the house of representatives, and no matter who sits in the Governor’s mansion in Sacramento; this country, this world, and this universe are not ruled through democracy. Ultimately we do not live in a republic. Our lives are not ultimately governed by the men and women who sit in the seats of authority in this world.

The truth is that while there are many kingdoms in this world stretching from Mongolia to Poland; and while there are many worlds in our solar system, stretching from mercury to Pluto; and while there are many solar systems in the vast expanse of the cosmos; there is only one King. This great King rules and reigns over all things. His kingdom has no end. His sovereignty is unassailable. His purposes will stand.

Nebuchadnezzar was right when he wrote:
His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”
Abraham Kuyper was right when he famously said, “There is not one square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’”

Like the lingering fragrance of expensive perfume, the kingship of our God permeates every passage in the Scriptures.
In fact, one of the richest veins of truth in all of the Bible is the truth that our God reigns:

Psalm 47:7-8 - For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.
Psalm 93:1-2 - The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.
Psalm 95:1-3 - Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
Psalm 99:1 - The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!

Beloved, this is good news for those of us who live in times like this. This is the kind of news that comes with thunderous implications.

The prophet Isaiah knew how good this news was when he wrote:
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” (Isa 52:7)

The Apostle Paul knew how good this news was when he wrote:
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28)

Because our God reigns, we can have the utmost confidence that he is working ALL THINGS together for good.
God does not work "somethings" together for good.
God does not even work "a majority of things" together for good.
Our God reigns and our reigning God works ALL THINGS together for good!

So we should rejoice in the truth that...

In 1980 when Ronald Reagan was elected as president of the United States, God, the King, took that man and used him to work all things together for the good of God’s people.
In 1988 when George H.W. Bush was elected as president of the United States, God, the King, took that man and used him to work all things together for the good of God’s people.
In 2000 when George W. Bush was elected as president of the United States, God, the King, took that man and used him to work all things together for the good of God’s people.
In 2016 when Donald Trump was elected as president of the United States, God, the King, took that man and used him to work all things together for the good of God’s people.

But it is also true that...

In 1976 when Jimmy Carter was elected as president of the United States, God, the King, took that man and used him to work all things together for the good of God’s people.
In 1992 when Bill Clinton was elected as president of the United States, God, the King, took that man and used him to work all things together for the good of God’s people.
In 2008 when Barack Obama was elected as president of the United States, God, the King, took that man and used him to work all things together for the good of God’s people.
In 2020 when Joe Biden was elected as president of the United States, God, the King, will not fail to take that man and to use him to work all things together for the good of God's people.

God is not in heaven wringing his hands in despair over who is the President of the United States, or who holds the gavel in the House of Representatives, or who is serving as the President of the Senate.
Romans 8:28 is still true no matter who is sitting in the seats of power in this country:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

So, let me invite you to join with Charles Wesley who exhorts us to:

Rejoice, the Lord is King:
Your Lord and King adore!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing,
And triumph evermore.

His kingdom cannot fail,
He rules o'er earth and heav'n;
The keys of death and hell
Are to our Jesus giv'n:

Rejoice in glorious hope!
Our Lord and judge shall come
And take His servants up
To their eternal home:
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Grace & Peace to You,

Pastor Drew Buell
Cool Community Church

Posted in Encouragement, Faith