Westside Church of Christ

The mud has been slung and the ads have been run…and run…and run. Accusations flew and votes were cast. Mercifully, the election is over, and the results are in. Our nation is deeply divided. Some are happy and others are not. It is a recurring drama every four years that exposes some of the uglier parts of our nature. Yet, we have always recovered. If only we could truly be one nation under God.

He is on the throne of heaven (Revelation 4). Rulers in this world, wherever they are, come and go. They rise and fall. Half of all presidential candidates fail. Even the winners have a very brief time in the White House when compared to eternity. Their power pales in comparison with that which resides in the Almighty. Many have tried to challenge Him, and all have been unsuccessful. God is the all-powerful ruler of the universe, and yes, even our country.

It's evident in the time of the Egyptian captivity for the Israelites. Centuries had passed for the captured slaves when the burning bush summoned Moses for his mission. He resisted. God persisted. The response of Pharaoh was epic: “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go. I do not know the Lord, and besides, I will not let Israel go (Exodus 5:2)?” He would learn, and the lessons are recorded to educate us, too. Who is He?

Nature is in His hands. So are life and death. It is a serious miscalculation to remain ignorant of who He is. He has exercised His authority throughout the ages. Nebuchadnezzar was an evil man. His ego, which was ultimately shattered, was enormous. He took pride in the kingdom that he had built. He raided the temple and devastated Jerusalem. Yet, God described him as His servant (Jeremiah 25:8-11). The Israelites had been disobedient, which never has a positive outcome, and the Lord had used a worldly king to serve His purposes. That is the One who still reigns from heaven.

We are surrounded by a world full of evidence that testifies of His power and nature (Romans 1:20). We have the historical record to explain His character and plan. He transcends this moment and our geographical location. We strain to imagine anything beyond our own experiences. Our thoughts are bound by time and a lifetime of influences that limit our thinking. He is holy. We are not. Likewise, He is eternal, all-powerful, perfectly wise and totally loving. We are none of those things and cannot comprehend Him who is.

Yet, He reigns. Presidential outcomes do not limit Him in any way. We fuss and fight for half a year, vote, and then complain or celebrate. Nothing of eternal value has been affected. God is still the ultimate authority. Christians are still His children, and their eternity is still secure. Praise the Lord!

Call to Praise: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

His word on it: 1 Corinthians 13:13

Sermon: “The More Excellent Way”