HOSANNA!!!!
Remember Matthew 21:9? Does it say this?…………..
“Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to Vice President Kamala Harris!”
OR does it say this?……..
“Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to Former President Donald Trump!”
Y’all it’s bad enough to see the world putting their trust in political leaders and behaving badly because of it. But it’s just crazy to see people who say they are Christ followers showcasing deluded devotion to their candidate. And if that weren’t enough, it gets even uglier when “Christians” lead the pack in being the meanest and messiest. Insert face palm here.
Actually, Matthew 21:9 says this:
Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David!”
Matthew 21:19
I just want to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to remember this verse. No matter how strongly will feel about our beliefs, our rights, or our money, we only have one Savior.
Aside: Please forgive me for leading with the first few paragraphs. I don’t think it was a proper introduction. Especially since I haven’t been here in a while. I just needed to get that first part out of the way in case you don’t care to read through the end. This post was one that I had to share. Didn’t want to. But I just needed to come here to say:
“I’m sorry but this not the time for us (the followers of Christ) to get hyped up about the rulers, potential rulers of this world – specifically those of this country. None of them can make our lives great.“
As we follow this election season, we who call ourselves “Christians” must battle to ensure our LORD is the One who has our attention and is our utmost priority. Should we be informed about the current political environment? Yes! Should we add our voice to debates in the public square? Why not? In fact, we must. But not because we are depending on the “right” politician to save us. We prayerfully engage (or prayerfully decline to engage) because:
- We are salt and light.
- Our wisdom, peace, and courage is to be shared.
- We are to be a city set on a hill.
- We are to be a light in the midst of gross darkness.
- If we are swimming in the mud with everyone else, how is the light of Christ to be shone?
We don’t belong to “Egypt” – the systems and ruling authorities of this world. So why are we relying on kings and princes to save us? Some of us have gotten so carried away with our political ideologies, ambitions, and affiliations that we have left our faith far behind. I truly believe that Isaiah 30:1-5 has a warning for us. Though there are ancient peoples and geographical locations mentioned in this passage, the message is clear: When the people of God turn away from Him to rely on others, they will ultimately bring us to a place of shame and disgrace. Only One can save.
“Woe (judgment is coming) to the rebellious children,” declares the Lord,
Isaiah 30:1 – 5
“Who carry out a plan, but not Mine,
And make an alliance [by pouring out a libation], but not of My Spirit,
In order to add sin to sin;
2
Who proceed down to Egypt
Without consulting [a]Me,
To take refuge in the stronghold of Pharaoh
And to take shelter in the shadow of Egypt!
3
“Therefore the safety and protection of Pharaoh will be your shame
And the refuge in the shadow of Egypt, your humiliation and disgrace.
4
“For his princes are at Zoan
And his ambassadors arrive at Hanes [in Egypt].
5
“All will be ashamed because of a people (the Egyptians) who cannot benefit them,
Who are not a help or benefit, but a shame and also a disgrace.”
For some of us “Christians”, our politics have become our idol. Our lord. Our god. We value and serve our political philosophies and opinions over the Word of God. We discard the parts of the Bible that don’t align with our personal views or our lifestyle. We gain confidence in our own “righteous” world view and elevate it above God’s word. We pick and choose scriptures that we like and dismiss the context and the rest of scripture that give full counsel and instruction.
This is not the time for that.
This is our time to stand in Him, which, in Kingdom terms, means to kneel. In the Kingdom of God, the only way to stand before Him is on our knees (humility and worship). You and I don’t know what we are going to face over the next four years. The most challenging or the most jubilant may not be influenced at all by who is president. But our next four years will certainly be influence by our God. If your “god” is your political opinions or public opinion, and you claim to be a follower of Christ, please take a step back. Examine yourself.
Think about this: You will know that your politics are your god when:
- you surrender everything (your mind, your heart, and your strength) to supporting and promoting your politics, political beliefs/opinions.
- you can no longer love people because their lifestyle, opinions, political persuasion/affiliations are not yours or are in opposition to yours.
- you support or promote ungodliness or evil under the shelter of your political beliefs/party.
- you deny or defend ungodliness or evil under the shelter of your political beliefs/party.
- you can disrespect, disregard, or dismiss the Word of God because of your political beliefs
I’m talking to Christ followers. We must be on guard against the above. We can expect the above from those in this world who are fearful. Some of them want to be in control or to know that whomever is in control will help them and what they deem to be important. We can expect this because they are not centered in the conviction that Jesus Christ is KING of Kings and LORD of Lords. They do not have the security of understanding that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28). They don’t know that it is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. Psalms 118:8-9.
And how will they ever know, if WE live like we don’t know? If you have been publicly and privately demonstrating your fear of the opposing presidential candidate rather than your trust in the Sovereign, please stop.
STOP. LOOK. And LISTEN
STOP prioritizing Egypt.
LOOK at your King.
LISTEN to what He has said to His people and what He is saying to you. You will hear when you spend time in prayer, Bible study, worship, serving others and even fasting.
As Christ followers, we are not anti-government. However, we do recognize its limitations and we do not concede to injustice. Our Lord sends us, commissions us, and instructs us in all facets of society to praise and glorify Him and love others. But He does not need us acting up, being hateful or messy in order to accomplish righteousness. I admit, it not always easy to avoid participating in foolishness. . Especially with the political climate we are in. Sometimes we mess up. But you and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
Stop, look, and listen so that you can hear the still small voice reminding or instructing you through this season. And then do your civic duty as you feel led by the Spirit of God.
I love you and God bless!
blackandwhiteandshadesofgreen 