FORGET NONE OF HIS BENEFITS, volume 7, number 45, November 6, 2008

He does not delight in the strength of the horse. .The Lord favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His lovingkindness, Psalm 147:10, 11.

The God of Money and Politics

I am writing this devotional in the Chattanooga airport thirty days before the November 4 Presidential election, planning to have it appear on November 6, two days after the election. By the time you read this we will probably know who our next President will be. Some are happy about the outcome, and others are upset, perhaps even terribly worried. I am also writing this just after the Congressional bailout of companies which have taken us to the very brink of financial collapse. Many are extremely anxious about the political and economic status of our country. I suggest our anger and fear expose our gods. Whether “we” win or “they” win the election, whether or not we continue to fall head long into financial oblivion, our response reveals the affections of our hearts. Are we not a country which worships at the altar of Mammon?

The Psalmist warns against such, telling us that our hope is not in our horses or the strength of man. He was speaking of those nations which put their confidence in military might instead of the Lord God of Hosts. He says our hope is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth, Psalm 121:1. He says the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who wait for His unfailing love. Fear, anger, and hostility come when we feel that our source of comfort is fading. There is nothing wrong with righteous indignation. I was furious at how corruption and greed have brought financial havoc to our country. I have been furious at how mindless our electorate can be, how little thought is given to the positions and character of political candidates. However once we are past this righteous indignation, our continued agitation is fueled by fear which is fueled by the idol of Mammon. We want our same standard of living and we rail against anything which compromises or threatens it.

Should we not step back for a moment and survey the events of the last seven years, asking ourselves, “God, are you contending with us? Are you trying to get our attention?” We find countless examples in the Old Testament (especially in Ezekiel and Amos) of God judging nations for their idolatry, usually through invasion of foreign nations or natural disasters like earthquakes or locusts. First there were the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Then there was a plethora of disasters, what insurance companies call acts of God, in the form of countless, devastating hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods throughout the U.S. Then there was the recent economic meltdown, what some have called the next Pearl Harbor. Are these mere accidents? Are these random acts of a God who stands by and simply allows them to happen? Is He not sovereign over all the affairs of man? Is He not the One who causes well being and brings calamity? If there is calamity in the city, has not the Lord done it? See Isaiah 45:6, 7, Amos 3:6. May it be that God is doing us a huge favor, showing us great mercy, by giving us what we deserve? James Dobson said many years ago that a turning back to God in this country may come through great catastrophe or economic ruin. I have been praying for many years, “God, do whatever it takes to bring America to her knees, that You will humble us, so that we might pray, so that You may heal our land.” Admittedly, this kind of prayer evokes some fear in me. After all, I don’t want to face economic ruin or a weakening of our security which could bring further Muslim terrorism. I don’t want to see my children and grandchildren suffer and live in a country far inferior to what I have enjoyed. I want them to have all the financial and civil benefits I have enjoyed by being an American and living in this great nation. But I am also far more interested in the salvation of our nation. I am far more interested in the kingdom of God, in Christ Jesus gaining great glory by turning our nation back to Himself. I am willing to suffer personally, domestically, and nationally if it means a great revival in our nation. And if you are unwilling to pray, “God do whatever it takes to drive us back to Christ,” then this tells me where your heart is. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

In what do you trust? In what do you place your confidence? Are you happy or angry today? Was your candidate elected as President? Wherever you land on this question, you need to remember that God is Lord and He will share His glory with no one. He wants your whole heart, your undivided affections. He will use circumstances in our world to drive His people back to Himself. Your greatest fear should be, not that He is contending with us in economic or political spheres; but that He would give us over to our own devices, and not bother with chastising us. He loves every son whom He reproves, and disciplines every son whom He receives. Hebrews 12:6. Revelation 3:19.

Trusting in the god of money or politics is a mirage. It will not deliver when you stand before Him at the judgment seat of Christ, when you must give account for your life. What will you say on that day, “God, I made lots of money and I enjoyed spending it on myself. I closely followed the political landscape and lived or died with each election. Won’t that gain me entry into heaven?“ Mammon is an adulterer who promises much joy but always, eventually delivers pain and sorrow. When she deserts you, you feel angry, abused, duped.

So, are you angry today? Are you fearful and worried about the future? Are you concerned that the glory days of America are behind us? Perhaps they are. Only God knows for sure. One thing is certain, however; and it is that God is in heaven and does as He pleases. He is God and there is no one like Him, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, “My purpose will be established. I will accomplish all My good pleasure. Truly I have spoken. Surely I will bring it to pass.” Isaiah 46:9-11. Based on the sovereignty of God, Paul the Apostle was able to say, “I am convinced that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that awaits us. What then shall we say to these things, to the fact that God has known us from eternity, that He has called us, justified us, and will one day glorify us? If God is for us who can be against us?” Romans 8:28-31.

Will you see God in the present circumstances? Will you see that God is contending with us, wanting to strip us of Mammon, driving us in humility back to Himself, that we may bow down and worship Him alone who gives true meaning and purpose to life. Your hope is not in your stock portfolio or the one who sits in power in Washington.

FORGET NONE OF HIS BENEFITS is a weekly devotional by Reverend Al Baker, pastor of Christ Community Presbyterian Church in West Hartford, Connecticut.

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