A person once said, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” One today reading those words would think that the reference was made regarding 2020 and not referring to America’s struggle for independence from England written in 1776. Indeed, it is trying times we are living in. Living in a time of Coronavirus, riots, stock market fluctuations, employment uncertainty or for some unemployment, etc., our Presidential election is currently underway due to Coronavirus and “Election Day” will be this Tuesday. In regard to the U.S. President, “there can be only one.” That means there will be some disappointed and others jubilant of the results when (or whenever) the winner is determined. As New Testament Christians we should be concerned with who our government leaders are. However, as New Testament Christians when facing the things previously mentioned or facing the “normal” trials of life (whatever that means now), we must remember God is on His Throne, He is in control, and He is still God.
We must remember God is on His Throne in Times of Joy. Exodus Chapter 14 records the Israelites crossing the Red Sea after leaving Egyptian bondage. The Red Sea was divided by the Lord allowing Israel to cross. Pharaoh’s soldiers pursued after Israel but were drown in the sea after the Lord “overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea” Exodus 14:27. Exodus Chapter 15 is the Song of Moses after the Lord and Israel’s victory. As expressed in verse 18 of that chapter “The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.” A time of victory, a time of celebration, a time of joy, and God is on His throne. We must remember that during times of joy and celebration, God is on His throne.
We must remember God is on His Throne in Times of Trouble. Psalm 10 expresses the writer’s great distress due to the wickedness of people that resulted in bringing much sorrow and misery to the poor and oppressed of the land. As the psalmist wonders why God does not intervene in the situation, he expresses the truth “The Lord is King for ever and ever,” 10:16. Jehovah is not an earthly king, He is an eternal King. Being deity God will live forever and He is on His throne just as long as He lives, forever and ever. When we see the sorrow, misery, and sadness brought to others by wicked, godless people, we must remember that God is on His throne. He is ruling now and throughout eternity.
We must remember God is on His Throne in Times of Trials and Persecution. The book of Revelation is a wonderful book worthy of our diligent study and application of those things we read and study in this book. (cf. 1:3) The book of Revelation was written to those who were suffering persecution in the first century. Revelation 4:1-2 we read, “…I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me, which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.” Chapter 4:8 we learn that the one sitting on the throne is God. God is letting His children know that He is not only concerned about the wellbeing of His children, but He is a God who is in control. His throne is “set” in the heavens, suggesting stability and determination. Christians from Pentecost day have suffered persecution in one form or another (2 Timothy 3:12). We must remember that in the days or years ahead, should persecutions increase against God’s children, God is on His throne and He in control.
Because of the reign of God, we must obey Him, we must live for Him, and we must prepare for eternity, because some day we will stand before the King of Kings in judgment.
-Jerry D. Sturgill
Revelation 17:14, “Hallelujah: for the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigneth.” (ASV)
Leave a Reply