Pastor's Corner: God rules and overrules

I’m writing this article before the election takes place, but you’ll read it only after Election Day has come and gone. I can’t see into the future, and don’t know how the election will turn out (or what the reactions to the results will be). Is there any perspective from your past that makes a difference in ignorance of the results?

I believe there is, and especially from the book of Daniel in the Old Testament. Daniel was given more detailed previews about the future flow of events than any other prophet. The visions in Daniel cover major events of relevant history between Daniel’s time and the coming of Christ. There are a few glimpses of things even after that (like the resurrection at the end of time). More important than detailed knowledge about some parts of the future, though, is that he was given a clear view of things that are always true.

For instance, Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar, the outstanding emperor of his time, that he was a “king of kings” because “the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory.”(Daniel 2:37)

A little later, Nebuchadnezzar would confess: “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; he does according to his will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain his hand.” (Daniel 4:34b-35)

The Babylonian dynasty of Nebuchadnezzar fell, but in the next empire there was a similar acknowledgment by Darius: “I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and steadfast forever; his kingdom is the one that shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall endure to the end.” (Daniel 6:26)

This triple witness reminds us of one fundamental truth, something that does not change based on any election: The Lord continues to rule. Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the nation of Judah and burned the temple of God in Jerusalem. But his power and actions didn’t threaten God’s rule. Ultimately, even Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God’s sovereignty.

Whoever is in charge here on earth, they are ruled (or maybe overruled) from above.