Who rules the world?
MINISTER’S LETTER - 7 November 2024
Donald Trump after an assassination attempt, 13/7/2024
Friends in Christ, the United States, the nation with the largest economy and (arguably) the most powerful military in the world, has just elected a new President, returning Mr Donald Trump to the office, he had occupied 4 years ago, for a new term at the start of 2025.
The debate in the US election campaign seemed particular polarised. It is likely many Australian Christians also have strong views on their preferred (or, perhaps, less problematic) candidate. Elements of the media seem as prone to hyperbole as many politicians. So there have been many alarmist and even catastrophist claims made by commentators.
It is undoubtedly true that the position of the US President is powerful and the influence enormous. Even so, the role is embedded in a democratic system with a bicameral (two-houses) form of a national parliament, in a federation of states with their own powers and parliaments, alongside a massive public service and judiciary - albeit more politicised, it seems, than Australia’s. All that means there are considerable checks and balances in the system, and a whole lot of inertia, even for the person who occupies this important position of President.
Yet more significant than political structure is this foundational fact of theology, history and life now and onwards:
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8).
That comment was made immediately after an encouragment to remember your Christian leaders (v7), who spoke the word of God to you. Perhaps an unspoken implication from contrasting verses 7-8 is that even the best of spiritual leaders can and may let you down, especially if they abandon the word of God.
But Christ will never let you down. Christ will never break a promise. Christ will be not only consistent, but consistently good. Always!
With that in mind, Psalm 146 came as an excellent reminder, which I read in advance of the election outcome:
“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” Psalm 146:3-9 NIV
A prayer I once wrote for those in authority began by noting God's sovereignty... "You rule the world". It continued with the logical conclusion: "No King or President, Prime Minister or Dictator has more power than you." That's why we can pray to God with confidence.
And the character of God is why we should pray for those in authority to work, not only for general peace and good order and the restraint of evil, but also in ways that display compassion and care for the poor and down-trodden.
What about at a practical and personal level? How do we respond in highly charged electoral situations where people rate issues and vote so differently from us?
I find this advice from R.J. Snell, Editor-in-Chief of Public Discourse, and a former professor of philosophy, so helpful. He made some observations about the disappointments of politics. He briefly quoted the Psalm I mentioned above and also a famous section of Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address as President:
With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work; ...to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.
Outstanding sentiments. But I said I am aiming at something practical and personal too. Here is Snell's helpful conclusion:
Whatever the outcome; whether today you are waiting, watching, weeping, or rejoicing, there is no reason each of us cannot, in our way and place, in keeping with our station and responsibilities, be as Lincoln. If our media and political elites are unwilling, there is no reason why you and I cannot be patient, gracious, decent, calm, charitable, and act in ways keeping with the responsibility of self-governance for the commonweal.
If today we are tempted to gloat or despair, curse or mock, it would be far better for ourselves and our children to quietly pray or study, rake the leaves, invite a neighbor to dinner, play a game, or work in the garage: all the things that a self-reliant, free, and sober people do.
We will no doubt pray about such matters this Sunday at church.
Warmly in Christ,
Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney