Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Rev. 1:4-5
Glorious Triune God, the more I think about the American political process, the more I find a cesspool of irritation and cynicism brewing in my heart—a sure indication that I need your grace and fresh repentance. No matter what’s going on outside of me (in the White House or anywhere else), it doesn’t justify a cancerous attitude. So I begin this day reminding myself of exactly who you are and what you’re up to in your world… as revealed in this one Scripture, alone. Nothing has greater power to convict me of my sin and help me regain perspective.
Sovereign Father, I’m greatly encouraged (and humbled) to remember that you are timeless in your engagement with your creation and your people. You always have been, you presently are, and you always will be the God who is working all things together after the counsel of your will. You never need a holiday, you never suffer from ADD, and you always bring your “A game.” You are constantly doling out grace and peace, grace and peace, grace and peace, to your children. Hallelujah!
God the Holy Spirit, in your sevenfold perfection, you are constantly executing the will of the Father concerning all things—from feeding sparrows and clothing flowers; to revealing and applying the grace of Jesus; to raising up kings and putting kings down at the Father’s bidding. Nothing and no one can resist you. Hallelujah!
Lord Jesus, you are the faithful witness who reveals everything we need to know about all things. You’ve never lied, exaggerated, or withheld any revelation we need about anything. You are the firstborn from among the dead. Your death and resurrection are the guarantee and the firstfruits of the whole new creation order. Because you were raised from the dead, all who trust in you will be raised. The entire cosmos will be restored and brought to a grandeur of which the Garden of Eden was just a hint. Hallelujah!
King Jesus, you are the ruler of the kings of the earth. Forgive me when I pine and whine about who’s sitting in the biggest chair in the White House or the Kremlin, North Korea or China, Iran or Israel. The good news of your present and future reign should free us from all panic and paranoia, and also from all passivity and presumption. Show us (me) how to live as good citizens of heaven and America, both to your glory. We long for your kingdom to come, and your will to be done, on earth as it is in heaven. So very Amen, we pray in your glorious and gracious name.
