The idea that God chooses leaders is something I have commented on a number of times over the years, but it has come to the forefront recently, so I have to get into this again. The idea comes from a couple of passages of Scripture, most notably in Romans 13. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval; for it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore, one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience.” The next verse says that this is also why we should pay taxes, which is, curiously, left out by most proponents of this idea.
This concept wasn’t new to the Apostle Paul; the first king of Israel, Saul, was anointed by God via Samuel, and when Saul didn’t work out, God sent Samuel to choose David. This idea has continued through the centuries, giving birth to the divine right of kings. There are people today who still believe that our presidents – as long as they are in the same party as the believer – are chosen and anointed by God. Which is nonsense. All one has to do is read the passage above; it says that there is no authority except from God – which means all leaders – ALL – which means Hitler and Stalin and every despot who has led any nation at any time. It is either all or it is nothing, and this latest blasphemy from the present administration should show all of us just how wrong this idea is. And this has nothing to do with my politics – no person in any political party is placed in any position of authority by God. In America, the people vote, not God.
The Gospel of John (19:11) doesn’t help in this matter – Jesus says that Pilate has no authority except that which God has given to Pilate, making the crucifixion part of a greater plan. It also, sadly, puts the blame on “the Jews” and Judas, which seems to me to be hypocritical. If it was all part of God’s plan, how could anyone be blamed? While God might make plans, people mess them up just about every time – like the story of Saul and David. It doesn’t matter how immoral or virtuous a person is; God is not in charge of who is elected or who decides to take power by force. It is an idea that is used to justify personal desires for power. Franklin Graham and Paula White can pray and speak in tongues all they want, but it won’t change the fact that this president fits into their agendas, not God’s. It is time to take responsibility and to stop blaming God. It isn’t God’s fault who gets elected – it’s ours.
Prayer – Merciful God, we are all flawed and we are all trying to do what You ask. Guide us today so we can come close to what You need. Amen.
Today’s art is “The Eye of the Storm” by Denise Wandt.