The aftermath of the 2024 presidential election continues to shake America and the world. The election has further exposed how divided America and the church are. Both sides of the political aisle saw a conflict of faith.
- Politically
- Morally
- Spiritually
- Ethically
Over the past two years, there has been a lot of talk about the end of the world and the need for a Savior. The traditional umbilical understanding is Jesus is the world’s and God’s people’s only hope (Matthew 1:21, Acts 4:12.)
This corrupt world has been desperate for a savior since the fall in the garden (Genesis 3: 4-5.) From a worldly perspective, we see the strongest and toughest warriors as our means of a savior. However, historically kings were the ultimate Savior and ruler of the people.
Why Are Kings Important?
Kings are defined as, “One whose position is hereditary and rules for life; God, a chief amongst competitors.” Kings serve many leadership roles; head of state, leader of the armed forces, ceremonial duties, and head of the church.
The problem is earthly kings have a sinful nature and don’t have to answer anyone else. Earthly kings focus on earthly success and temporary kingdoms. Their allegiance is to their interests. Biblically, king is called a “Lord,” because the people serve Him.
The church has its own Kingdom to serve and love. We recognize God’s authority to appoint kings and rulers to govern (John 19:11.) We must submit to our government regardless who was in the office because they are appointed by God (Romans 13: 1-7.)
However, our ultimate allegiance is to God and His ways (Luke 9:23, Philippians 3:20.) We don’t just say Jesus is King; we devote our lives to Him and live like He is our King (John 10:28, Romans10:9, 1 Corinthians 8:5, Ephesians 1:3, Revelation 19:16.) The apostles remembered their Jewish education about kings and kingdoms.
Meleḵ
The Hebrew word in the Old Testament for king is meleḵ and it can also mean “Ruler or Royal,” depending on the context it is used in. Kings in the ancient world had supreme authority over everything and sometimes they were thought of as Gods themselves.
Due to the lawlessness and corruption of the ancient world, Kings arose to govern the land and bring justice and order to the chaos. Kings often credited with making nations great and feared.
No wonder God’s people cried out to God for a king to lead them. God answered their prayer and let them have their kings, although He was their ultimate King. Remember, the Torah commanded Israel to have no other gods before them (Exodus 20:3.)
The Torah also gave Israel instructions for their kings and limitations on the King’s reigns and how they would govern God’s people to keep them from becoming corrupt like other kings (Deuteronomy 17:16-17.)
- Of God’s choosing.
- Do not own too many horses or return to Egypt for more.
- He must be an Israelite.
- Do not have too many wives.
- Don’t acquire too much wealth.
- Keep a copy of this law taken from the priests.
- Study the Torah.
- Obey all of the Torah.
- Fear the Lord.
- Stay humble
Israel’s hope for a mighty King in the form of a Messiah was prophesied thousands of years ago (Genesis 49:10, Numbers 24:17-19, Psalm 2: 6-9; 60:7, Isaiah 9:7; 7:14; 42:1-4, Zechariah 11:2.) The only problem is God’s people were looking for an earthly king and earthly greatness, they forgot God’s requirement of a humble King.
They wanted a kingdom on earth and to rule other nations just like the ancient world’s ways. No wonder they missed the Messiah when Jesus came as a humble King instead of a mighty earthly ruler (Matthew 1-2.)
Jesus’ teachings reminded His followers that God’s Kingdom is not like this world (John 18:36.) And because of this, just like the prophets predicted God’s people rejected their King (Psalm 118:2.) Jesus declared greatness in the kingdom of heaven, is humility through servanthood (Matthew 23:11.)
Fast forward 2000 years and once again God’s people want an earthly king to make them great and rule above other nations.
Donald Trump
Almost a year ago President-elect Donald Trump vowed to be a dictator on day one and his Supreme Court has given him unlimited power. While his wealth, success, and power may give many hope and excitement about the future of America, we cannot forget God’s limitations for the leadership over His people.
We cannot forget that God’s kingdom is not of this world and only God can save us because He is our true King and Lord ((Luke 1:32-33, John 8:36-37, Philippians 2:9-11, Colossians 1:13, Revelation 11:15; 19:16.
God’s people cannot be more interested in earthly greatness, than in the coming of God’s true kingdom. Jesus called us to be the salt and light in this dark world to help usher in His Kingdom, not Mr. Trump’s version of America (Matthew 15:13-16.)
Of course, we like Mr. Trump’s promise to make us great, it is the same twisted lie Satan used to deceive the first Adam, but the second Adam rejected earthly greatness (Matthew 4:1-11.) God’s people and America must remember that God’s kingdom is not of this world or even this nation.
President-elect Trump’s desire to have unlimited power and be praised is blasphemous because he isn’t God’s people’s savior or our King. Again, his ways are the opposite of our Lord’s.
- Deceptive
- Prideful
- Greedy
- Unforgiving
Whether America becomes more prosperous or respected will be because of God, not our works or who was in the White House, because it is God alone who has blessed America. Remember our ways and successes aren’t like the world we live in (Romans 12:2.)
The great Charles Spurgeon wrote, “He claimed his crown rights, and, at the same time, declared that His kingdom is not of this world, nor to be sustained by force.” We cannot serve two masters and live in two worlds (Matthew 6:24.)
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