The United States Government has shut down. This news is being played in heavy rotation on television and radio and the internet. It seems scary that the government has shut down. We have come to rely on the government. The government looms large in our lives. Of the shutdown, (which isn't really a total cessation of government business, you know) some might ask, 'what does this mean?'
Here is what it means for the Christian:
"He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;" (Daniel 2:21)
"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God" (Romans 13:1)
We know that God is always working. HE is our government yes we are subject to ruling authorities and we do our diligence within the scope of proper Christian understanding and submission. But as far as lasting impact, or even temporary impact, God is our ruler and He governs us. If He has allowed a US government shutdown then he has allowed a government shutdown.
This is not our home.
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14)
We are strangers and aliens here--
"Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul." (1 Peter 2:11)
The LORD puts confusion into the minds of men who reject Him and also confuses armies. Rejection of God results in futile thinking, so the shutdown to me seems evidence of such confusion and rejection. It is a natural outcome of refusing to bow to God. However all things that happen are allowed by God and are within His will.
There is a season to everything. If the season of America's ascendancy has passed, so be it. If the Lord sees fit to allow our government to become a Gordian Knot, so be it. There is a season, and it is all part of the cycle of the epochs and ages God is controlling. We look to our government in heaven, and our eternal home for direction and comfort. Not the earthly one.
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;" (Ecc 3:1-3)
Is it the time for our government to break down? Our society? Time will tell. There is a season for everything, after all.
