LightGrams
January 19, 2017
Volume 21, Number 3
I assure you I’m not going to delve into political issues in this post. I do, however, want to note the inevitable uneasiness that always accompanies a transition of power. Some look forward to the inauguration of a new President; others are convinced that dark days lie ahead. But it happens every time someone new moves into the White House.
Even in countries ruled by monarchs, the time will come when power must be handed to someone new. A king, queen, or other head of state may rule wisely and benevolently for many decades, but they – like all of us – are mortal. They will age, their capacities will diminish, and one day they will die. Power must be handed over to another, and the nation waits tensely to see how the new ruler will use their power.
Our nation will witness Donald Trump become the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017. Perhaps more than any other elected to this high office, uncertainty about his governing style and policies abound. But because the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States set limits to the tenure of the President, America will regularly go through transitions of power.
When Jacob and his family joined Joseph in the faraway land of Egypt, life could not have been more promising. The Pharaoh in power was gracious to Joseph: “Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land …” (Genesis 47:6). “So Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions there and grew and multiplied exceedingly” (Genesis 47:27).
Favorable conditions did not continue, however: “Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph” (Exodus 1:8). It was then that Israel went from “most favored” status to slaves of the Egyptians. Their lives were no longer their own.
God called Moses to lead His people out of slavery to the Promised Land. For forty years this great man of faith led Israel. Despite their frequent episodes of grumbling, they depended on him for guidance. But his tenure also came to an end (Deuteronomy 34:7), prompting Israel to weep and mourn for thirty days.
How blessed Christians are to know that their King will never leave office! Psalm 10:16 declares this truth: “The Lord is King forever and ever; the nations have perished out of His land.” Paul also affirmed this fact: “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever” (1 Timothy 1:17).
But does our King change with time, as many people do? Hebrews 13:8 answers: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” The Ruler of heaven and earth is still in power and will always be. He remains loving, gracious, and powerful.
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2017, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “[email protected]” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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