To the editor:
The election is finally over. The races are settled. Depending upon the results you are either ecstatic or devastated.
Whichever way you are feeling, let me tell you something that should encourage everyone: The results of those elections did not — I repeat, did not — catch God by surprise. As crazy and out of our control this world becomes, God knew it would be this way, and He is in control.
In Romans 13:1, Paul the Apostle says, “For there is no power but of God: the powers that abe are ordained of God.”
Therefore, we know that those who have won these positions of power in these elections were not mistake, but God fully intended them to be in those positions at this time.
This is not to say, however, that said leaders are necessarily “good” or on the side of God. We are, after all, in the last days and the Bible says in II Timothy 3: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, coveters, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers … despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof…”
Does not this describe the world today? And yet, Jesus said it will, and has to, happen before His coming back. Matthew 24:4-3: “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you be not troubled, for all those things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilence, and earthquakes in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
It’s very important to realize here that Jesus is speaking to, and of, His followers; those who are true Christians. Those who have not only accepted Him as their Lord and Savior, but those who follow Him as their Lord and Master. He tells them not to be afraid because these things must happen before the rapture of true Christians (Romans 10:9 and 10). Many people, good people, are busy today trying to earn their way to Heaven but they are misled (Ephesians 2:8 and 9). True Christians do good works, though, because Jesus, their Master, went around doing good everywhere He went.
Jesus also said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The Ten Commandments are not “Ten Suggestions,” and contrary to popular modern church teachings, God will not overlook those who do not keep His commandments.
So, if you are a true Christian and ready for His return, do not let the results of these elections trouble you. But rather, rejoice that His coming is drawing near: “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us that, whether we wake or sleep (die), we should live together with Him. Wherefore, comfort yourselves together, and edify one another (I Thessalonians 5:9-11).”
Clare Kierstead
Presque Isle
