A Call to Hope and Pray
By Pastor Robert Krumrey
Today is a very dark day in American history. Seeing the federal capitol breached and the angry partisanship of our country turning into violence is incredibly discouraging. I want to say that we have hope and it’s not ultimately in human government. We knew that, but days like today are a strong reminder of why it’s important to remember this. As I’m watching this play out, I am reminded of these words from Psalm 2:
“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” Psalm 2:1 ESV
This question seems relevant today. Why are people raging and plotting in order to get power at all costs? Because they believe this power to rule through human government is ultimate. This kind of thinking is absolutely absurd. The psalm continues by pointing out the futility of all this plotting and raging:
“He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” Psalm 2:4-6 ESV
The psalm is clear. God is the ultimate authority and those who oppose him will be brought into submission, if not now, certainly in the judgment to come. That said, human government is instituted by God and has been given to us as a means for human flourishing. The only way this works is when “kings” (governmental authorities) stop plotting and raging and come under God’s good authority. The psalm concludes:
“Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” Psalm 2:10-11 ESV
The institution of government can function as a blessing to its people, but only when it behaves in ways that are consistent with God’s righteousness. So let’s pray together that the president and other leaders will take righteous actions to lead citizens in righteousness resulting in the flourishing of the people that have been entrusted to their care.