Who sent it and for what purpose?
If I could speak to President Donald Trump this is what I would say:
Mr. President—It began with a miracle—you know that. This result is not just a mandate from the American people…it is a mandate from your Lord! Your proper understanding of the this will determine your ultimate success and special place in history.
Throughout the great American story there have been many election cycles which have given our leaders loud and clear mandates. Powerful indicators from the electorate that we are going in the wrong direction and need a significant course correction. So, this begs that obvious question, is this what we have just seen in the results of our 2024 presidential election results?
In many ways I think it would be hard not to see a strong message emerging that our new leaders need to make some serious changes. I also believe that this election is far more serious than most observers are considering but not for obvious reasons. As believers in Jesus, you and I need to see what just happened through a different lens and ask a different but more important question: where is God in all of this?
If we believe that God is at work in the affairs of man, to what extent might He be communicating something else to us here? Could it be that this is not a mandate from the American people to their leaders so much as an extension of mercy and grace from God to you and me—His church?
As we look back on that literal ear-splitting assassination attempt it is difficult not to see God at work. I am persuaded that we may be witnessing one of the most profound moves of God in history—a Nineveh event unfolding before us. There is no doubt that as a nation we are as undeserving, if not more so, than Nineveh, yet that was the first and only example of God extending His mercy and grace to a wicked nation.
My fear is that we as believers, and subsequently the church, will miss this message. There is little doubt in my mind that a remnant in the church today who chose to reach out to God in prayer, is the reason why we are in this place today. This however, is not the end—it is just the beginning. It is a God-given window of opportunity for us—His chosen people, to get it right.
He is beseeching you and me to, See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19
We are guilty of creating the wilderness and wasteland we are in, yet God is at work making a new and living way. He has set the table before us and given us one last chance.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, through His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let’s approach God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds…. Hebrews 10:19-24
Considering this let’s look at some Godly marching orders.
First and most important is to consider your relationships with those who were disappointed with this election’s outcome. If you search social media, you will find thousands of examples of people, mostly young, completely melting down. I have never seen anything like this—vitriol, anger, crying and yelling. Saying things that make absolutely no sense with a total lack of any critical thinking.
These are precious people in the eyes of God who have been totally and deliberately brainwashed resulting in intense fear. Think, who is the author of fear? It is the devil’s most effective tool. So, what do we need to do to respond to this? What does the Bible have to say about casting fear away? 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…
So secondly, this is what we must do—love these people and extend the same grace to them that God has extended to us. This is critical for us personally and institutionally. Remember that reconciliation is one of our Lord’s top priorities. (See Matthew 5:23-24)
As I conclude with some more ideas I want to speak to two groups of people—the Pastors or ministry leaders and then committed followers of Christ.
Pastors & Leaders:
- Double down on your personal pursuit of God for that is where your spiritual power comes from.
- Recognize that you have a new four-year window to preach boldly from the pulpit minus government intrusion.
- Quit arguing about the churches’ role in politics and do the job God put you here to do.
- Figure out the lane God has placed you in and work there resisting the temptation to do more than He called you too.
- Take the focus off the Sunday morning gatherings and have a take-no-prisoners-mentality regarding making disciples.
Christ Followers:
- Examine your depth of intimacy with God and commit to do whatever it takes to improve it.
- Sin in your life? STOP! It is life or death—there is no middle ground.
- Ask God to help you see your unique sphere of influence—it is the place He has given you to make a difference for Him.
- Begin with your close family and find ways to share more about how to know God.
- Maybe consider asking some neighbors to think about coming to your home for a weekly Bible study group. The number of people who are hungry for this will surprise you—especially now.
Please watch this powerful message from Vince on
Real Christianity In An Unreal World