Concerned Americans are truly challenged with whom they might trust with the leadership of our nation, even the Commander In Chief.
As we consider who should be trusted to control the levers of our national economy, we should also keep in mind that this president will also have ultimate control of our national defense, and homeland security.
The office of the President is a truly unique position within the constitutional American government. There is a tension built into the design of this position. The President is authorized to reign preeminent over the execution of constitutional authority on all national matters, coupled with international statesmanship.
Throughout history, nations have had these powers fused with lawmaking powers and the adjudication of those laws.
Our Constitution’s framers saw this as a flaw which allowed the fate of nations to rise and fall on the integrity of their highest officeholders. Their answer was to separate these powers, setting the jealous protections of these individual powers as controls against tyranny.
This separation of powers still is not without flaws.
The effectiveness of all laws is contingent upon the nature of the lawgivers, as well as their enforcement. The integrity of these officeholders is governed by the fact that they are humans.
John Adams once said of this conundrum, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
It is not that our founders and the framers of our Constitution were ignorant of the limitations of the nation they created and its governing documents, they hoped to create an environment where fidelity to godliness would be encouraged and the integrity of the governed would necessitate integrity in the governors.
Even in the Israel of the Bible, having Divine laws written by the finger of God, the leaders of this nation were subject to the passions of human nature.
There are biblical examples of men of great virtue who forsook that virtue to the detriment of themselves and their nation. The same can be true of modern America. Our citizens’ focus should be on the Lord and for the sake of truth and righteousness.
The true redemption and protection of our nation lies in a firm reliance on the God of the Bible and His righteous judgments.
In II Chronicles we can read about Asa, a king of Judah and a descendant of King David.
In II Chronicles 14:1-7 we learn;
“So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.
And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God:
for he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:
and commanded Judah to seek the God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.
Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.
And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the Lord had given him rest.
Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the Lord our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.”
Asa was a good king and his reign brought good things to his kingdom for a time.
We must remember that the Lord sees our hearts, the root foundation of our actions. Our actions are not judged entirely at face value. The outcomes may appear righteous, but if they are born out of fear, hatred, or envy, they may yield less than favorable results.
God’s judgment will come. Though it may be withheld for a time, it is sure and righteous. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7. NIV
In II Chronicles 15:1&2 we read, “And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:
and he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.”
The presence of the Lord with Judah signified the protection of the nation, peace, and prosperity. We learn in the latter part of verse 2, “… if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.”
It is true and often exemplified in scripture, that it is possible for people to be in right standing with the Lord for many years and even decades before rejecting His commandments. The Lord’s initial judgment will not override His final judgment of the latter.
Christians today debate whether the Israel of today is the Israel of which the scriptures say, “…Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, And prosperity within thy palaces.” Psalm 122:6-7
Many Christians believe that this is true of the modern nation of Israel, that God reestablished the nation of Israel by way of The United Nations. Other Christians remain skeptical.
What I believe is of greater importance is whether the God of the Bible is our Lord and whether we obey God's laws, or commandments.
I know of no place in scripture where God promises to prosper and protect those who reject him or reject His commandments. If Israel rejects God they will receive His righteous judgment. If they repent, turning to the Lord they will receive the just compensation for their repentance, just as every repentant sinner before them.
Returning to the United States of America and her leadership, it is the heart of the US citizen, “we the people,” that the Lord judges according to. If our citizens resolve to be faithful in trusting in the Lords salvation and restoration, they will receive the reward of that faithfulness, much like the those of the Revolutionary War era.
No military might on earth is able to supplant the resources or determination of the creator’s will.
If Americans place their trust in the might of men, results may be far less appealing.
Faithfulness is the key to receiving God’s grace and mercy, both of which the USA needs.
God bless you, Dave
“Duty is ours, results are God’s” John Quincy Adams