T​he Old Testament Bible records the lives of great men throughout Jewish History. I love any kind of history, Ancient, World, American. I learn the facts and then dive deeper to look at the individuals’ response to the stories. We are in the middle of writing our own history thru this season of political divide, an election year, and a pandemic. All this affects us in countless ways. Some responses have been heartbreaking, sorrowful, prideful and shameful. We have seen hate, patriotism, racism, death, grief, vandalism, those who speak out for what they believe in hopes of changes, and some who are longing for what they knew of ‘normal’. 

It’s hard not to be full of consternation and anxiety as the election of leaders in our government, both state and national races are coming. Analysts say that this is an important election, and will move our country down one road or another. I could join in the anxiety, except for the lives of three men I read about in Scripture. 

Joseph was the son of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. Jacob had twelve sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph was a young dreamer of a kid. He often told his family his dreams where they would bow down to him one day. Joseph was the favorite son of his father, receiving special treatment and gifts, because he was the firstborn from the union with Rachel, who Jacob loved dearly. He had worked fourteen years to get her as his wife, from her father, Laban. As with any favoritism, it caused jealousy and bitterness from the other brothers. 

One day, Joseph went too far, and those brothers had to get rid of him. A conspiracy began from their jealous hearts. The opportunity came to get this favorite son out of their lives. It started with Joseph being placed into a pit, and sold to an Egyptian trader. They planned the lie to tell their father, and got their story ready to tell Jacob, that his son, Joseph was dead from the jaws of a wild animal. They brought his beautiful coat, given to Joseph by his father to show him evidence of their story. Those brothers lived with guilt and shame the rest of their lives. 

​Joseph became a faithful servant, serving his master, Potihper and his wife well. But his good looks and youth was a temptation to Mrs. Potipher. While her husband was away from the house, she began seduction of this young man. Day after day she tried, but Joseph lived to please his Master and his God. He wouldn’t succumb to this sin, and that angered her. A scorned woman is dangerous. She made up a lie to have Joseph arrested and jailed. Once again, Joseph finds himself in a prison, (another lie and another pit). He was there for 14 years. I can imagine the cries to his God. Again, he lived to please his Jailer, and proved himself a trusted man that earned freedom in day to day operations of the prison. He knew the inmates and had an opportunity to interpret the meaning of two dreams. God was telling him the meaning, but put Joseph in the perfect place to speak for Him. One man’s dream led to his release to the palace of the King, the other was executed. Joseph asked for compensation; to be remembered and mention this to the King when he had opportunity. But Joseph was forgotten.

A​t this point, can you relate to being in a situation that is totally unjust, totally out of your control and at the mercy of others in authority over you? It’s hard to see the big picture of what God is doing. How could any of this be good? What is the purpose of my life? Are you stuck? 

I have to remind myself of the truth and promises from Scripture. The Letter to the Church at Rome from the Apostle Paul said this, Romans Chapter 13:1 and following :

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

The prophet Daniel was a boy when he was taken captive to Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar. He may have been 12 or 14, but he and his friends found themselves living what their parents had taught them. They were uncompromising in their faith. When push came to shove, they wouldn’t eat the Kings food, and wouldn’t bow to his gods. God honored their obedience and Daniel became second in command under the greatest kings of the Chaldean dynasty. 

In Jewish history, is the account of King Nebuchadnezzar, who reigned from 605/604-562 BC. He was one of the greatest Kings in Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar is identified in the Bible as the king responsible for destroying Solomon’s Temple, in Jerusalem. Daniel’s prophecy tells of Nebuchadnezzar’s downfall and restoration. He was a true narcissist. You find in Chapter 4 these words….“the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal house, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (emphasis added). 

As soon as these words came out of his mouth, the interpretation of his dream as predicted by Daniel happened. Daniel 4:31-21 “Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. 32 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.”

T​he lesson from King Nebuchadnezzar is that God is the one who uses kings and presidents for His purposes. Don’t take the credit – You didn’t do anything except that God allowed you to be an instrument of His sovereign plan. Daniel 2:21“He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”

T​his is the way we can rest during a volatile political climate. You do all you can do for righteousness. You listen, research, pray and vote. Then you leave it with a mighty God. 

P​resident Trump is a true narcissistic personality. He has accomplished some great things on behalf of our country over the last three years. He surrounded himself with a team to help him with all his promises, ideas and vision for America. I won’t list them, but each time he speaks, he lists them. He says the same thing King Nebuchadnezzar said. A lot of ‘I’, ‘me’ and ‘my’. Now some may say, well he does this because the modern day media won’t give him any credit for the accomplishments. I would agree media doesn’t treat him with respect. Evidence of bias and even contempt toward President Trump has been proven. But God is bigger than media. Psychology could explain why a person is a narcissist, but without that we can all see similarity of this president and this King of the past. It’s a possible prerequisite for politicians, kings and leaders.

My warning: watch out, you may be eating grass for seven years and be called a mad man, until you acknowledge that the Most High, is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and give them to anyone He wishes.