While most people across the country don’t have off for Inauguration Day, there’s no doubt it’s a big deal. All eyes are on Washington, D.C., as the world watches the most powerful nation in the world peacefully transfer power from one commander-in-chief to the next.
It’s a blessing — regardless of one’s political persuasions — to live in a land devoid of despots and demagogues, where freedom persists as 46 duly elected men have walked in and out of the Oval Office since President George Washington first took the reins in April of 1789.
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Even before it has happened, President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration is making history.
The 78-year-old New Yorker is only the second U.S. president to be sworn in for a non-consecutive term (President Grover Cleveland, more than a century ago, was the other). Additionally, the populist Republican will take the oath of office inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda after his inaugural ceremony was moved indoors due to well-below-freezing temperatures, making it the coldest Inauguration Day in 40 years.
With all the pomp and circumstance surrounding Jan. 20, it’s critical, as Christians, to remember it all pales in comparison to the importance of our faith — of the Kingdom of God, on whose authority all earthly kingdoms rise and fall — as a new and returning president is sworn in as commander-in-chief.
As the world watches Trump’s return to the White House, here are five Bible verses to meditate on.
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” — Romans 13:1 (ESV)
In this passage, the Apostle Paul reminds us that every governing authority is allowed and established by a sovereign God, who is neither shocked nor surprised by leaders who rise and fall from power.
Human government, though imperfect, is a legitimate authority in this earthly life and, so long as it does not directly contradict morality and biblical authority, believers ought not use their faith as a defense for lawlessness.
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme.” — 1 Peter 2:13 (ESV)
The Apostle Peter reminds believers in this verse that, even upon becoming Christians, believers are not exempt from the authority of their respective governments. In fact, he encouraged Christians to act as good citizens — as those who submit to human authority, so long as it doesn’t contradict Scripture — because it is a reflection of our faith.
As he wrote, it is “for the Lord’s sake” Christians should live upstanding and gracious lives.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
Regardless of who is sitting behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office of the White House, Christians should trust in the total sovereignty of God and His eternal Kingdom.
In this passage, the Apostle Matthew reminds Christians to seek God and purpose to live righteously, in obedience to Scripture, and all our fundamental needs will be met, even in times of uncertainty or when we may be tempted to falsely believe we are fully sufficient at taking care of ourselves.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!” — Psalm 33:12 (ESV)
The Psalmist David rejoices in this passage that Israel’s God was the one true God.
While David is certainly talking about the blessings and prosperity that followed Israel, the principle is a great reminder to center our lives on obedience to the Lord because, from that obedience, flows blessing and perfect provision.
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14
This verse is most certainly a promise to ancient Israel and cannot be perfectly applied to a modern-day country, but the passage is chock full of principles worth meditating on today.
The verse is a great reminder to approach the Lord with humility, to take things to Him in prayer, to turn away from sin, and walk in obedience, confident God will honor those who pursue holiness in their lives.
As the U.S. welcomes its new president on this historic day — whether you voted for Trump or outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris — it is encouraging to remember God’s sovereignty and His promises to be faithful to His Word, no matter who serves as a governing authority on this earth.
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