A preacher-friend of mind named Mike McKinnis writes a weekly column entitled Grace Gazette. They are sent out via email. I received one today and thought it a good idea to post it to our web site. It is both true and timely.
If you find it good and wish to receive his article weekly, I am certain he would be glad to inculde you on his email list. Just email him at: ratmotor@windstream.net and give him your email address.
Here is the article he wrote for August 14, 2020:
Our Defender and King
For the LORD is our defense; and the Holy One of Israel is our king. -Psalm 89:18
The chief talent of most modern politicians who rise to public office is the ability to confuse the public about various issues and to speak with a multitude of words without really saying anything. Nothing is more common during this political season that the telling of half-truths, partial solutions, and whole lies. It seems to go with the territory. Most of our so-called "leaders" learn to play this game early in life and, for the most part, have arisen out of a background which is primarily moving from one government "job" to the next. I am amazed at the audacity of many of them who take pride in what they call, "a life of dedication to public service." They say this with a straight face as they would have us to believe that they have endured great sacrifice for our sakes when the reality is that most of them have done quite well for themselves financially without a great deal of concern for the benefit of the "public." The main benefit and service, that they have been concerned with is their own self-promotion.
In ancient times, one of the most common methods of arriving at a place of leadership in governmental affairs was by demonstrating prowess on the battlefield and subduing and destroying the enemies of their people. Thus, the people desired for them to rule over them or were fearful of their power and dared not oppose them lest they find themselves on the sharp end of a sword or spear.
The Scriptures have much to say concerning the leadership of nations and the wicked and base nature of the people which the LORD raises up to such positions. There has probably never been a greater and more pompous king to rule in an earthly kingdom than Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. Towards the end of his reign the LORD visited him with mercy, in humbling him to eat grass in the field like an ox, stripping him of his glory and pomp. The LORD taught him what he was by nature and revealed unto him both the glory and sovereign power of HIM of whom David said, "But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased." (Psalm 115:3)
This is Nebuchadnezzar's testimony:
"And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honored Him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest thou?" (Daniel 4:34-35)
Prior to this revelation Nebuchadnezzar recounts the vision which the LORD brought to him through Daniel wherein HE identifies the kind of men whom the LORD raises up to sit in seats of power:
The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. (Daniel 4:17)
There is not a politician alive today (at least none that I am aware of) who would concur with this truth. They spend their time telling us what great citizens and upright men (and women) that they, themselves are even when we can plainly see the holes in their underwear. One of them (actually the one I support) just the other day made the statement that "GOD was on his side," presumably because he believes that the LORD is impressed with the job he is doing. I can only hope that the LORD might grant him the same place of repentance which HE gave to Nebuchadnezzar.
How foolish it is for men to boast of their supposed power and "good deeds" when the Scriptures are quite clear that, "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will," (Proverbs 21:1). "Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man, then, understand his own way?" (Proverbs 20:24). "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps," (Jeremiah 10:23). All of this is hidden from the wise and revealed unto babes, who are compelled to worship and adore HIM who is the RULER of all.
We are comforted by the knowledge that the outcomes of all elections (either earthly or heavenly) are in the hand of HIM who declares the end from beginning and does all things according to the good pleasure of HIS will. May HE, daily, give us a mind that is reconciled to HIS will.
The LORD has given to HIS people a great DEFENDER, who has confronted and destroyed all of their enemies. We do not yet see the complete fruition of HIS triumph and destruction of the last enemy, death. Yet, we have been given an abiding HOPE in the certainty of HIS triumph over even this formidable foe, for HE has risen from the dead and become the FIRST FRUITS of them that sleep (i.e. abide in physical death awaiting the day of the resurrection). Therefore, we sorrow not as those who do not have this HOPE.
CHRIST is appointed as our DEFENDER.
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; Mine elect, in whom My soul delighteth; I have put my Spirit upon him: He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. (Isaiah 42:1).
CHRIST has gladly taken up the mantle as our CHAMPION, from the beginning, "for the joy that was set before HIM." "I have laid help upon One that is mighty; I have exalted One chosen out of the people. I have found David my servant (i.e. HE who is the SEED of David); with My holy oil have I anointed him: With whom My hand shall be established: Mine arm also shall strengthen Him. The enemy shall not exact upon Him; nor the son of wickedness afflict Him. And I will beat down His foes before His face, and plague them that hate Him," (Psalm 89:19-23).
HIS defense of HIS people is complete and sure. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth," (Romans 8:31-33).
Since we have been given eyes to see HIS "defense" of HIS people, we now gladly own HIM as our KING and worship at HIS footstool. "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel," (2Timothy 1:9-10). "For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; He will save us." (Isaiah 33:22)
HE was a KING when HE came into the world, though HE was pleased to hide HIS kingdom from the wise men of this world:
Yet have I set My king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, "Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten Thee. Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen for Thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel," (Psalm 2:6-9).
What a privilege is given to the sons of GOD, to behold HIM as that reigning KING, clothed in HIS majesty as the REDEEMER of HIS people.
And I saw, and behold, a white horse: and He that sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given unto Him: and He went forth conquering, and to conquer (Revelation 6:2).
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. -- We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because Thou hast taken to Thee Thy great power, and hast reigned (Revelation 11:15-17).
This is HE who is "mighty to save." Our DEFENDER and KING.