I am not happy with the situations that are developing in our country and around the world. From a human standpoint, they frighten me. I grew up hearing my parents and grandparents talk about the Great Depression. Over the years, I have listen to our leaders say when speaking of such a national catastrophe, “Never again.” Yet, that does not appear to be the case. Overnight it seemed that millions saw their 401Ks and their IRAs evaporate, the value of their houses plummet and our national economy teeter on the edge of disaster. If that were not enough, the headlines warned that countries like Iran and North Korea were thumbing their noses at the free nations of the world by developing nuclear weapons and then threatening retribution against any nation that tries to interfere with their menacing pursuits. News of the possibility of dangerous solar flares, wayward asteroids and global warming further spread doom and gloom.
New leadership appears to be leading our nation down a slippery slope toward what could become dangerously close to socialism. All this leads Christians to wonder if we are in danger of losing our valued freedom of worship. Truthfully, since I am not a prophet I do not know the answer. I have my opinions, but they could be wrong, too. However, I do know what the Bible says. Paul wrote, “there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Rom. 13:1). Solomon wrote that God said, “By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth” (Pro. 8:15,16). Our country’s situation and the situation of the world has not taken God by surprise. Many times in the Old Testament, God has stated that He is the one who raises up kingdoms, appoints them for His purpose and allows their rulers to come to power. When we become concerned about our government and those who are responsible for national decisions, we should confidently rest in the words of Daniel, “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding” (Dan. 2:21). All in all, I think our present situation should cause us to pray with John, “Even so come quickly, Lord Jesus.”