The One Great Unifier!

We, as Americans, have witnessed the voice of the people unified and in one accord in strong support of family values, jobs, morality and a sense of godliness as we view the 2016 election results. The threats that have been allowed to come against our nation from both external and internal sources have created an unnecessary fear among the people. America has been weakened severely over the past number of years by poor leadership and Americans have found themselves living in a fear that should’ve never been.

The recent election results have renewed our sense of hope as a nation. We now have before us individuals who have promised to bring not only a “sense of security” but to truly secure our nation from these threats. These same individuals have committed themselves to reuniting the people as one alleviating those things that have been allowed to create such a great divide. To them, we can only hope that they remain true to their commitment to this great nation.

But, as I look at these elected officials, I understand they are all human. Thus, they are capable of failure whether by accident or intention. There is only One true unifier and that is Jesus Christ. And the only means of coming into favor with that One is through the cross. It is the cross that brings unity and yet for those who reject it, ridicule it, refrain from approaching it with humility and repentance it becomes a source of offense.

Jesus declared: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6 HCSB) and in so doing asserted all other means of salvation to be null and void. It would seem a bit bold perhaps even rash of Jesus to make such a declaration without having something to back it up with. But back it up, He did. He had made the declaration in John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live.”

Once again, another bold statement, one which could lead many down a false path—if it proved to be false. But John relates otherwise. He, as well as the other Gospel writers all reveal the numerous appearances of a living Savior, Jesus Christ, following His death and entombment. John declared: “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31).

Paul shared that Jesus “appeared to over 500 brothers at one time, most of whom remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:6).  Paul continued by offering this encouragement: “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man” (vv. 20-21).

Today, Jesus is alive and the promise of resurrection is in the hearts of all who have made their way to the cross and fell on their faces before it, confessing their sins, repenting of their past ways and walking away new in Jesus Christ. The cross is the great unifier.

The ground at the base of the cross is level. There are none better than any other when we approach the cross. We all come as sinners and walk away born-again believers in Jesus Christ destined to be resurrected from the dead just as He was.

Today, it is Jesus that America needs. Donald Trump cannot save America. He can only carry out that which the Lord allows him to do; thus, he needs to be a God-fearing man set on seeking after God and God’s direction at all times. Israel remained powerful as long as the kings sought GOD for their nation. When they turned away, Israel suffered tremendously. Let us pray that the new administration will seek God continually as they make decisions for America which in many regards are not only for this nation but for the world.

Scripture Reading: “For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is trustworthy. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the Lord’s unfailing love. The heavens were made by the word of the Lord, and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into a heap; He puts the depths into storehouses. Let the whole earth tremble before the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it came into being; He commanded, and it came into existence. The Lord frustrates the counsel of the nations; He thwarts the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation. Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord- the people He has chosen to be His own possession! The Lord looks down from heaven; He observes everyone. He gazes on all the inhabitants of the earth from His dwelling place. He alone crafts their hearts; He considers all their works. A king is not saved by a large army; a warrior will not be delivered by great strength. The horse is a false hope for safety; it provides no escape by its great power. Now the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him- those who depend on His faithful love to deliver them from death and to keep them alive in famine. We wait for the Lord; He is our help and shield. For our hearts rejoice in Him, because we trust in His holy name. May Your faithful love rest on us, Lord, for we put our hope in You” (Psalm 33:4-22 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I come before You grateful for Your love, grateful that You care for me and grateful that You care for America. I pray You would guide and direct our leadership to follow after Your path. I pray that their hearts and minds would be upon You and upon pleasing You in all things. I ask that You forgive us of our past failures, cleanse us of our unrighteous ways and help us to walk upright, pure and holy. I pray for our churches, pastors, and leaders that their hearts would be in tune with You and with Your message. Help us to put away watered-down preaching and to understand that it is Your Word that brings hope and deliverance. Help us to express love and compassion as we share You and Your great love everywhere we go. I praise You in all things…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!