Comfort For God’s People He Reduces The Rulers
Unfortunately, the history of the world contains many rulers that lied, cheated, stole, and clawed their way to the top. Due to these rulers’ lust for power, thousands, if not millions, have died. Millions more may die as long as men like these rulers continue to rule and weaker men do nothing to stop them. The rulers’ oppressive actions will be whitewashed to mislead the masses. The wise will meet this with skepticism, dismay, and shock. Yet, the wise must realize what school children may know and that all should learn from the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 40:22,23: “He [God] sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.”
Even a child in school should know not to fear tyrants. St. Matthew recorded these words from Jesus, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Yes, the rulers have blood on their hands, but they cannot steal the souls of the ones that trust in Jesus. This should give us comfort. Borders can be erased, and our enemies can poison us with fentanyl, but they cannot steal our souls. Bombshells can fall like rain in Ukraine, but Jesus shields the souls of God’s children.
The Full Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-18 reads:” Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
President John F. Kennedy said, “This country cannot afford to be materially rich and spiritually poor. Our goal is not the victory of might but the vindication of right, not peace at the expense of freedom, but both peace and freedom, here in this hemisphere and, we hope, around the world. God willing, that goal will be achieved.”
Declare God’s Wisdom
We must not let authoritarian government control and our political beliefs become our religion, for we are in a spiritual war. In the words of the Apostle Paul we must “speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.” (1 Corinthians 2:6.7) Did you notice what Paul said? The rulers are coming to nothing. Paul is essentially saying what Isaiah said; God reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
We must not be afraid, for just as we teach the children, Jesus loves us.