A MUDDLE OR A MARVEL?
I write this on Saturday 8th May, when the final outcome of the
Election is still unsure. The analyses of the election result are
very varied and interesting. To some everyone is a loser – Mr. Brown
lost more seriously than any labour leader for decades; Mr. Cameron
failed to exploit his advantages and win an overall majority; Mr.
Clegg had a surge in popularity but failed to turn it into actual
votes and had less than at the last election. To others everyone is
a winner – Mr. Brown overcame so many disadvantages and yet is still
in a position to retain power; Mr. Cameron gained the most new seats
ever by the Conservatives in an election; Mr. Clegg is in a position
to be ‘king-maker’. And in between all these explanations are a host
of other perspectives.
The situation is, of course, that at the time of writing, there is
no clarity on what the eventual government of the country might look
like. “It’s all a muddle” as one man said when interviewed for the
TV. And it seems like that. What will we get? Will it be good,
decisive government that addresses the real needs of the country, or
compromise and haggling that fails to deal with the debt crisis, the
social problems and the many other pressing issues that exist? Will
there be strong leadership in the country’s best interest or
manoeuvring and dissembling for party advantage? It is all so
uncertain. It seems to be a bit of ‘a muddle’.
But is that how we should be assessing what has happened over the
last few days? Does the Bible have anything to say that might help
us to understand what is going on? The Apostle Paul is very clear on
these matters. In Romans 13:1 he says, “there is no
authority except that which God has established. The authorities
that exist have been established by God.” That is a
very important statement. It is a truth set out throughout the
Bible. Daniel learnt this (Daniel 2:21) and Nebuchadnezzar had to
acknowledge it (Daniel 4:17). The Psalmist also expresses the same
truth (Psalm 75:6-7). So our Lord Jesus told Pilate that he could
only act as a judge because he had been given that position (John
19:11). That is why we are to submit to those who rule over us
(Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-14 & 17).
So the Christian perspective is not that we get the government we
deserve, but that we get the government God ordains. He is in
absolute control of everything. Our response to the present
situation is surely not to engage in the unending speculation of the
media. Nor should we engage in the fruitless recriminations of some
newspapers and of many ordinary people who feel let down by the
present uncertainties. And we should not sink into an attitude of
despair and frustration as others will do. Our attitude is to be one
of quiet confidence in God. We know that He has a purpose in what
has happened.
Furthermore it is not our role to second guess Him. Christians are
often very keen to do that and to pronounce to all who will listen
exactly why this happened. Let us be circumspect. God’s ways are not
our ways and He has purposes we cannot see. He sometimes allows
governments to arise that do great damage to the church. Persecution
and tribulation have been the lot of many believers down the
centuries, and still is in many countries today. He sometimes allows
governments that are wholly favourable to the Gospel. Yesterday
(Friday 7th May) an ungodly man said to me, “Bring back Oliver
Cromwell”. Whilst I agreed with him in his conclusion I found his
explanation to be so historically inaccurate as to be rather
humorous. Will it be another Nero or an Oliver Cromwell who will
rule in the UK? Probably something in between, but it is more likely
to be less favourable to Christians than to be supportive. But none
of us knows at this time.
What we are to be is confident in the wisdom and righteousness of
God. But that is not all. We are to pray in a particular way. Again
the Apostle Paul teaches us what to pray – 1 Timothy 2:1-2,
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers,
intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and
all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in
all godliness and holiness.” Why does he want us to
pray for governments in this way? For the sake of the propagation of
the Gospel. This is always God’s priority - the godliness and
holiness of His people, and the spread of the Gospel. All His
purposes focus on these great things. We sadly don’t think like Him
and so other things about our own comforts and interests
predominate. But He is consistent and He will do all things for the
honour of His name. So as Jesus put it so clearly, “I
will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). Or again in the
light of His death and resurrection, “All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching then to observe
everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Our duty is therefore very clear. We are to pray that the Gospel may
be advanced and that we may grow in all godliness and holiness. All
authority belongs to our Lord and Saviour. He will do exactly what
is right and best. We can trust Him completely. So in a time of
confusion and muddle let us see the marvel. “God is still on the
throne”. Our Lord Jesus Christ is “head over everything
for the church” (Ephesians 1:22). What a marvel that is! Politicians
will negotiate (and do that unrighteously); pundits will pontificate
(and do that arrogantly); and people will speculate (and do that
anxiously). But the people of God are to be confident in Him and
pray with earnestness expecting the kingdom of Christ to be advanced
even by the muddle around us.