Our country has faced a rollercoaster of news headlines and emotions over the past few weeks. With everything surrounding Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court, our nation has been hurt deeply, stemming from both sides of the political aisle. People argued, protested, and prayed over this particular event and as time went on, many opinions differed on the outcome. One group believed that Kavanaugh was the man he claimed to be—a shining knight of the conservative establishment and a devoted public servant. The other side believe he to be a vile man, who has carefully hidden his past sexual assault and questionable life habits.
I use this example because I have followed it closely over the past few weeks. I have prayed and asked the Lord for the truth to be known, no matter the outcome. I feel it my Christian duty to pray for our leaders no matter their political positions. Romans 13 speaks clearly of the fact that there are those appointed by God to govern over us, and it is a given that believers will pray for those in government and positions of authority. I also followed Kavanaugh’s confirmation closely because I know the possible implications his appointment to the Supreme Court. No matter what side you might fall on politically or ideologically, the concept of nine non-elected judges’ rulings and interpretations can become the law of the land is a hard pill to swallow. Their rulings must be followed.
But with that being said, the appointment of this Supreme Court Justice could lead to the repeal of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision by the Supreme Court that affirmed a woman’s right to abortion under the constitution. Under this present Supreme Court, Roe v. Wade could be repealed and it could be a step in the right direction to end government funded abortion.
Understanding the importance of this appointment, and seeing how both sides differ on Kavanaugh’s confirmation, how should a Christian respond when we feel justice has be served, and when it hasn’t—when justice comes and when it doesn’t?
The one thing that I must remind myself constantly, especially when I feel my emotions taking over, is that our God is sovereign. Our God rules and reigns. He is in control and he is in power. Romans 13:1 clearly states the sovereignty of God. God appoints the principalities and powers in this world. God has given us much freedom in this life and in the decisions that we make, but easily we forget that when we cast the ballot or raise our hand, whether it be for or against, God has already seen and ordained that day. Our God is not caught off guard by freak elections or the shocking win of the underdog. Our God is sovereign.
Another to consider is that our God is a God of justice. I love the illustration of God being a good judge. If God is sovereign, holy, righteous, and if he is all-knowing, then he knows the hearts and minds and man, and will deal equally and fairly with every action, whether it be an acts of good or evil. The same God who requires us to “do justice” (Micah 6:8) will enact judgment and see justice served to the nations.
John was given a beautiful picture of the new heavens and new earth. It is a place where God’s people live knowing justice has been served to them and on the earth.
Revelation 19:1–5 (ESV) After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2 for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” 3 Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” 5 And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.”
One of the great struggles of the Christian life is trusting in our God. God works on his own time and for his own glory. So often, we can only see what is directly in front of us. We see this moment in this day and maybe a little farther, but still the events are ultimately out of our control. God sees all things and knows all things. How often are we like Job trying to give a defense of our thoughts and try and tell God how to rule over his creation. And it is in those moments we are humbled by our sovereign, all-powerful, holy God.
Trust in God and he will care for our souls. Trust in God and he will enact justice and judgment according to his own holiness, not our time or opinions. Remember the words of our Lord,
Revelation 22:12–13 (ESV) 12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
Rejoice when we see God’s judgment and justice in our life, for we are privileged to see him working in our lives. But also do not be discouraged when justice doesn’t come. Just because we don’t see it immediately, does not mean that is not coming. For the Lord has said, “I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.”
Bro. Jesse