Jesus did not promise political freedom and favor in this life. In fact, Psalm 2:1-3 outlines the rage the nations will have against God and the plotting kings and rulers will do in order to throw off God’s plan.
Jesus made it abundantly clear that “…in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) In other words, this life is going to be hard, but we can have God’s peace in our own hearts despite the turmoil swirling about us – precisely because Jesus is the true Lord and will show Himself to be so in a day soon to come.
Meanwhile, Christ and His followers were persecuted severely by governing authorities, as are many Christians throughout the world. The theme of suffering and persecution is so clear throughout God’s Word that no argument need be made for its prevalence.
God did explain His intention for government in Romans 13:1-7. Despite a fallen world and sinful human authorities, the plan of God for government is to enact justice. This does not always happen, because we are sinners. However, we are told generally to honor authorities because they are established by God to keep order.
Nonetheless, we recognize God’s clear mandate in the midst of Satan’s onslaught in this world. When it comes to obeying God or obeying government and authorities, we must obey God! If forced to turn against our Lord by a ruler, we must turn against our ruler and please God! Peter and the apostles proclaimed it so well after they were arrested for preaching the Gospel, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
We see that the Bible reveals a struggle between political rulers and the kingdom of God. Some rulers and governments will align more with God than others, and many will outright rage against Him and His people because Satan is still on a rampage in this world until God puts a stop to him.(Ephesians 2:2)
In conclusion, let us understand that the freedom we enjoy in this great country is a gift from God – as are all good things. (James 1:17) We should not take it for granted, nor should we expect it. We should be good stewards of our freedom. We should vote and we should pray and we should proclaim Jesus in our communities. But we should always be prepared for difficulty in a world gone rebellious against the true King.
Whatever comes, we will put our hope in Jesus. For we know beyond the shadow of any doubt that He will soon abolish all wrong and set up righteousness as the way of life forever!
So, I will “kiss the Son [of God],” finding my refuge in Him and not the rulers of this world.
“Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 2:12)