It is time to start pondering from the Ponderosa once again. Strange phenomena are occurring in the fog created by this bizarre Covid pandemic. One heartbeat quickening observation is of a political nature. I have made it my plan never to mix politics with God’s pulpit. The reason? The Word of God is powerful and mixed with the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God is enough (Heb. 4:12). In order to be powerful, the Bible must be unleashed – it must be taught. I have been immeasurably blessed that God has given me the responsibility and the ability to do this, and to live in a unique country that grants the freedom to do this (2 Tim. 4:1-2). Always lurking in the shadows of my mind is the truth that Satan is the god of this age (2 Cor. 4:4). His presence is made clear to this writer because I am conscious of his many snares to entrap me. But in these days, I sense that he has a much larger trap in mind.
Paul tells us that in the last days perilous times will come. Time when people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power (2 Tim. 3:1-5). I personally think we are there! If not, disregard the following few lines. The freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution are becoming murky. Jaw-dropping political shenanigans that we thought could never happen, are happening. The stench of anarchy is in the air. Public rebellions have happened before, but I sense that this time it is different. We have become a divided nation. I am not a strong student of history but solid enough to recognize that democratic governments have a short shelf life. I never imagined that in my lifetime I would be writing these words. I feel that it is time.
In order to come to grips with why this is happening, we must seize the biblical worldview that answers the question, why America? In my mind, there are two reasons, and both are tenaciously tethered to Noah’s prophecy concerning the blessing of Shem and the promise to Japheth. “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant. May God enlarge Japheth, and may he dwell in the tents of Shem; And may Canaan be his servant” (Gen. 9:25-27). In fact, all of world history securely hangs on the truth of this prophecy. This prophecy becomes universally linked to a promise that God made to Abraham. “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you. And in you all the nations of the earth will be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). Before we get into nuts and bolts of once more interpreting this prophecy in coming posts, let’s start with the end in mind. It is my opinion that not long from now we who live in this great country are going to need hope. It has been well said that human beings can live without many things – but they cannot live without hope.
Here is our great hope! There is coming a time when the King of this entire universe, the Lord Jesus Christ, will return to this earth and be crowned King over all of His created order. This small planet, so seemingly unimportant, will become the center of God’s amazing plan for this universe. This cosmic reign will commence when Christ establishes a kingdom over a redeemed earth and reigns over it for a thousand years (Rev. 20:6–9). The Lord Jesus Christ at the end of that time will turn this kingdom over to His Father, who will transform it into a new heaven and a new earth, wherein righteousness will dwell forever (1 Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 21-22). The thousand-year segment of this everlasting kingdom will allow God to finally and forever demonstrate to the human race and the angelic realm that the only political system that will ever work for humankind is one in which God alone rules over the hearts of all. It will not be a republic, nor a democracy, nor socialism, nor communism, nor an autocracy. It will be a theocracy; a kingdom ruled over by the God-man, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Lord’s kingdom will place on display the immense value of the second member of the Holy Trinity. It will be a time for the Christ to have His day in the sun. Just imagine a world dominated by what is right and fair – a world sustained by a perfect government bringing true peace on earth and goodwill toward men. All weapons of war will be remade into instruments for growing food. No nation will dare to be aggressive against other nations, and war will be no more. The curse from the fall will be removed, and the environment will be restored to the pre-Fall beauty of the Garden of Eden. Wild animals will no longer eat each other in order to survive, and small children will have no fear of any of them. This will be a world ruled by a perfect and glorious Ruler.
Imagine a time when there will be no fear of deadly natural disasters or uncontrollable diseases. Envision a time when every court will deliver perfect justice for every case, when truth will be established in every conflict, and when all who deceive will be exposed and judged swiftly. Picture a world where all children from every race and nationality will be fully educated by the King. Physical deformities and social, political, and religious oppression will be no more. All forms of slavery will be abolished. Imagine a world where the length of life will be restored and where the elderly will not grow feeble, will not lose their hearing or sight, and will not fear Alzheimer’s disease or cancer but will grow old with clarity of mind and a sound body. Imagine a world where what is appropriate and right marks every aspect of life, including relationships between people, businesses, and governments. It will be a world where there is absolute permanent peace and where that peace is enforced, a world filled with joy and good health, so much so that people live for hundreds of years. The days will come when there will be such a world. These will be the days of the King (Zech. 14:9). Blessings!