The world watched as a Marine helicopter lifted off, bound for Houston, Texas, while a moving van with Arkansas plates made its way cautiously through the gate into the presidential compound. It was moving day at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and many observant evangelicals found it a moving experience indeed. They saw moving out what little gains had been made during the last two administrations. They saw moving in their worst fears of a tidal wave of moral collapse. Just how moving will this moving day be?
In his inaugural remarks, the forty-second president of the United States said, “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.” But to many Christians, his first official acts seemed to be doing the reverse: infecting what was right with the country with what was wrong.
How appropriate are the words of Psalm 93 for the challenges of ’93. The ringing affirmation of its first statement, “The Lord reigneth,” speaks peace to troubled hearts. The psalmist then contrasts the floodtides that threaten to overwhelm the soul with the immovable certainty of the God in whom we trust.
The shifting sands of the political world are no place to build our hopes. The eroding values of society provide no firm foundation. If ever there was a time in history when “the floods have lifted up their voice” (v. 3), that time is now. But it is not as if we have not been warned. Are these not the troublous times of the last days? Should our hearts fail us for fear? Have we no refuge at a time like this? Does His promise say, “Lo, I am with you alway–except for the last few years”? No! He will not fail us. The Lord reigns. The One who is garbed in majesty and girded with strength (v. 1) has dressed Himself! Such vestments are not vested. By His own right He wears them. He alone is sovereign.
No doubt the president is already discovering that running a campaign is a fair bit easier than running a country. Psalm 93:1 reminds us that there are some things in the world that God has established: six feet of clay, albeit those living in the capitals of our nations, will find only frustration if they attempt to move what the Almighty has made immovable. The Communists should be able to teach us that. “The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters.” Let them lift up their voice if they will. Let them boast of their abominations and slaughter of innocents in the name of freedom. God’s “testimonies are very sure” (Ps. 93:5). He is the Supreme Court of the Universe (Heb. 12:23), the presiding Ruler of the Ages (Ps. 93:2).
There are some things that can be moved, but it is the Lord who will move them. “Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Heb. 12:26-29).
Has the Christian community put its trust in political influence rather than evangelical power? In earthly gold more than heavenly gain? In temporal expediency instead of eternal principles? Are we known better for our marches than our walk? Have we gone to fighting flesh and blood rather than principalities and powers?
If we are going to triumph, our Commander-in-chief must give our orders. “If My kingdom were of this world,” He said in the shadow of the cross, “then would My servants fight.” He called us to be militant, but wants us to know who the enemy is. Remember that the weapons of our warfare–prayer, the Spirit’s Sword, the gospel, winsome holiness, and the armor of God–are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds.
The new President, at his swearing-in, laid his hand on Galatians 6:8, “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Time will tell which half of the verse will characterize his administration. But the real question is whether the Church will utilize the freedoms we have left to advance the work the Spirit is doing in the hearts of men. Perhaps we have forgotten our own moving day. This world is not home for us. Until that time, may this be our song: “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him. He only is my Rock and my salvation: He is my defense; I shall not be moved.”