Your Majesty

      From Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Majesty

1:   sovereign power, authority, or dignity

2:   used in addressing or referring to reigning sovereigns and their consorts

3:   a-royal bearing or aspect, grandeur

 b-greatness or splendor of quality or character

 

A coronation ascribes kingship, or queenship, to an individual. The terms of royal sovereignty and reign are imposed by a nation, a representation of humanity, and bestowed with severe regality upon a greater representative of human rulership. The act is most fervently regarded as the will of God. And it is, according to scripture, for all rulers of the human story are appointed by God. The populace, historically, with fearful reverence, utter the title, Your Majesty. Not every page in the human story finds a people group bowing before a king or queen. The title may be less regal, as in Mr. President. The authority may be less royal, but no less appointed by God. We are all under authority.

 

Respectfully, I admit it and accept it. Yet, as I see The Day approaching, my vision of the earthly order of rule blurs. Does my respect wane? I will remember my commitment to scripture, but I’m not perfect. I grumble as my esteemed leaders alter the lives of my family and friends, but I’m grateful that we’re still free. I balk as I toss items into my shopping cart, but I’m glad the shelves are still stocked. I hurt over the the border crisis, both for the well-being of my country and for the multitude desperately seeking refuge. It only proves life is much worse in other parts of the world. I consider the protesters chanting about things they don’t understand, and I wonder how people can be so easily deceived, but I’m aware of the power of deceit in these last days. I shake my head as our double-minded leadership both spouts support and disavows Israel. That, of all things, will not end well for us.

Did I expect things to go smoothly at this time in history? No. Do I understand from studying the scriptures that things will only get worse? Yes. I'll still pray for my leaders, whomever they may be. I will still vote in November, God willing. But the next election will not change the course of prophecy. God has a plan, and He will accomplish it. 

While I care about my country, and other places, I’m not worried. I’m living in Biblical times, and I’ll watch with wonderment as the plan unfolds. I’ll do my best to respect and support my earthly leaders, as long as God commands it. But I have another leader, a ruler all-together supreme. He was not appointed, nor born into a monarchy. He was not elected. He was and is and is to come. I will forever ascribe the true title of Your Majesty to no one else.

 

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. 

                                                                 Jude vs 24-25

 

Post-Election Expectations

The votes have been counted, and now the most obnoxious commercials on TV once again involve blue bears and their weird relationship with toilet paper. During the pre-election media blast, the politicians began to sound like cartoon characters. Blue bears. Red bears. Working to wipe away skepticism, accused of great nastiness by the opposing bears, they left voters speculating if any of them were worthy of the vote. Nevertheless, the good citizens voted, and the cartoon bears, red and blue, have been chosen. 

Of course, they’re real men and women who've been given the daunting responsibility of leadership. The voters, whether pleased or disappointed, whether clinging to tradition or demanding change, must step back and observe the results of their choices. The new leaders of America might usher in revolution, but probably not. They might enforce tried principles, but they’ll make allowances. They might uphold the Constitution, or inch toward dissolving it. No matter theme of the show, conflict will carry the plot.

But ideological opposition has always been the meat of robust discussion. It summons indignation, demands protest, and then rests on a point well proven. At least, that’s way it should be. It’s not a matter of clinging to the old institution of respect that ought to keep the displeased citizen and the politician in check, but rather the historical decree of the Constitution. The value of an opinion is not so much its content as its right to be formed and stated. Warring over words has long been acceptable. Taking away someone’s freedom, their livelihood, or their life is not. The demanding wave of hostility flooding this nation must be curbed.

The representatives elected by the people have the power to ease the tension or encourage it. They may continue to come off as cartoon bears, waving their cottony-fresh demands like only they can. Or they may strike sensible solutions to the biggest problems this nation has faced in generations: immigration, healthcare, education, corruption, and so much more. But they may not be able to solve the bigger problem—the splintering of Americans into seething factions. Civil disagreement has been replaced by deafening hatred. The enraged, rioting citizens demanding change should beware of a society ruled by the thought police, the language patrol, and the non-elected regime. The cry for unified public opinion will not lead to unity but may end with the stripping away of the rights once held dear by all Americans.

Election day brought a few surprises, but for some voters it passed anti-climactic. For others, it offered relief. For all, it affirmed an altered political forum—one which can be readdressed the next time the votes are cast. Until then, may those who govern conduct themselves with respect, honor, and tolerance for the opposition. And may the good citizens of this great nation follow their prudent example.