A quick Google search of “are Americans fearful of losing their liberties” results in thousands of articles. People are fearful of losing their homes. People are fearful of losing their money. People are fearful of losing their personal property (e.g. their guns). People are fearful of government intrusion and a loss of personal privacy. Last week the Supreme Court upheld President Obama’s healthcare reform requiring Americans to obtain health insurance. The ruling has caused immediate fears.
With all of the fears and uncertainties in our nation, there is really only one place to turn. Our trust and hope cannot and should not be placed in the governing authorities. In times of rest and turmoil we must look to Jesus who rules over all the earth (Rev. 1:4-5).
Pastor John Piper explains it like this in his sermon “Jesus Is the Ruler of Kings on Earth”:
“Jesus Christ is the ruler of all the kings and presidents and chiefs and premiers and governors and prime ministers. . . . When Jesus rose from the dead, God exalted Him and gave Him a ‘name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee might bow,’ and that includes all the rulers and kings of the earth. Jesus is alive today presiding from heaven over the rulers of the earth.”
Doesn’t that bring you comfort? Think about it. This is the same Jesus, born of a virgin, who walked this earth doing miracles, including raising Lazarus from the dead after four days in a tomb (John 11:1-44). Jesus then died and bore the full wrath of God in His body—the wrath that we deserved, yet will never receive if we place our trust and hope in His finished work. But that’s not all . . . Jesus defeated death!
As our country celebrates Independence Day, I’m personally declaring it “Dependence Day.” In fact, as I wrote this post my own heart calmed. I no longer need to fear destruction!
“Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught” (Prov. 3:25-26).
Let’s cry out in faith to God—who is ruling over us and all things—for mercy and grace for our nation this Independence Day. Let’s declare that we aren’t ruled by and dependent on man; rather we are ruled by and dependent on God.
Are you fearful of losing any liberties in the coming days? If so, how are you dealing with this fear?
Join the Discussion