I Summon You by Name

Isaiah 45:1,4-5 "This is what the LORD says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me."

Are you tired of all the political commercials and potshots that the candidates have been taking at each other in advance of the presidential election? I've been tired of them since they first began. The commercials and statements made by both candidates consist of either fingerpointing (look at his faults) or chest-thumping (look at me). It's not easy to wade through all the information to find where both men and their running mates stand on important issues that affect our country.

Have you decided whom you will choose to lead our country? I can't say I've decided yet, but the election is coming soon. Who will serve our country best? Would you believe that the LORD has already decided who will serve and how he will serve? He has. Every nation, every world leader, every citizen is subject to the highest authority--the LORD of heaven and earth. At the heights of the Babylonian empire, the LORD had already decided who would seize power. He chose Cyrus to free the people of Judah from Babylon's chains, restore the Promised Land to them, and even help them rebuild Jerusalem and His temple. The LORD chose Cyrus, even though the man had no idea who the true God was, to carry out His rule over the nations of the world.

Can the LORD do the same thing for the United States of America? He can and does. Our President and other governing officials rule only because God has allowed them to receive that power. No matter how they choose to use it, the LORD is still in control. He will do what's best for us. He will use a slump in the stock market, or a "bail out package," or a presidential election to rule for the benefit of his people. The apostle Paul reminds us, "And God placed all things under his [Christ's] feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way" (Ephesians 1:22-23). He's in control. He hasn't forgotten about us or our savings accounts or retirement funds. He hasn't forgotten about mortgage payments, gas prices, or food bills. He will take care of us, and will provide a ruler whose policies and decisions ultimately must bend to the LORD, the creator of heaven and earth.

To God alone the glory!