This week, since we have just witnessed the 2024 US elections, I shall take a break from my Puzzling Passages series to offer some words to this historic moment.
Romans 13:1 says: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
This verse calls us to a challenging yet profound truth: God, in His sovereignty, allows leaders to rise according to His purpose. Regardless of personal views, we are reminded here to respect governing authorities, recognizing that God can work through both our leaders and circumstances to shape and guide His plans. With this perspective, we approach any elected leader, including President Donald Trump, as one whom God, in His wisdom, has allowed to hold office. While this does not mean endorsing every action or policy, it calls us to pray earnestly for him, for wisdom, justice, and humility in his leadership. By honouring the role, we acknowledge that God can use even imperfect leaders to accomplish His will.
“Trump is far, far from perfect. His list of personal transgressions is deep and wide. This is incontrovertible. What is also incontrovertible is that the Bible is filled with stories of people committing all kinds of sins and STILL being used by God for good in this world. In fact, some of God’s favorite people did really brutal things, or actively turned away despite God blessing them. Moses murdered. Jacob cheated his brother. David murdered his general so he could steal the man’s wife. Solomon worshipped false Gods. The list goes on.” – Travis Kling posted this on X after Trump’s win.
“Americans are perfectly free to say, “Trump’s boastfulness offends me and I don’t want to act that way myself.” But if laws are passed (and upheld by the courts) that enforce the LGBT agenda, no creative professional like a cake decorator (or photographer or florist) will be free to say, “I believe same-sex marriage is morally wrong, and I won’t use my artistic talent to decorate a cake celebrating same-sex marriage.” No high school girl will be free to say, “ I won’t undress and change clothes for my gym class because there are boys in the locker room who claim to be girls.” No Christian adoption agency will be free to say, “We will not place children with same-sex couples.” And if Democrats gain control of our government and the Supreme Court, and enact their desired policies, no Christian taxpayer will be free to say, “I refuse to pay that portion of my taxes that the government is using to pay for abortions.” No business owner will be free to say, “I will not buy medical insurance for my employees that pays for abortions and sex-change surgeries.” There will be only two choices: violate your conscience or else be driven to bankruptcy or go to jail.” – Wayne Grudem in an article for the 2020 election that still rings true for the 2024 election.
Let us be praying for President Donald John Trump. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1–4.