Post-Election Analysis

Today, it seems, everyone is consumed with post-election analysis.  For many conservative Americans, the unthinkable has happened – four more years of the Obama administration.  As I listened and read the pre-election hype by conservative columnists and talk show hosts, this election was construed as likely the most critical in the history of the nation.

Many reasons are being cited for Obama’s victory: an overtly biased main-stream press, a poor job by the Republican party of making the case for the defeat of Obama, an ignorant electorate that fails to comprehend where current government policies are leading the country and what they will mean for future generations, and even the impact of Hurricane Sandy last week. 

Likely there is truth in each of the points cited above.  But, as a Christian who believes in the providence of God, I can only conclude that we are destined for four more years of BHO because the Lord ordained it.  God typically uses means to accomplish His purposes, whether simply widespread ignorance or the impact of a devastating storm.

I believe America has the leadership that she currently deserves.  Widespread lethargy and lukewarmness have characterized much of the Christian church for many years.  Nationally, the majority in this country is unconcerned about adhering to God’s eternal, moral law.  Support for legalized theft, wherein confiscatory taxation takes from one American and gives to another, is growing, as illustrated by the record number of Americans receiving food stamps and other government assistance.

This election produced the first two states that voted to approve same-sex marriage, a marked turn after thirty-one votes against this perversion.  This result is but one example of a nation that has turned her collective back upon God and His Law.  Why then should we be surprised with the reelection of the current President?

Following the devastating terror attacks on 11 Sept 2001, churches were full, for a few weeks.  Then Americans got back to business as usual.  Had Romney won yesterday, I have no doubt that many conservatives would have breathed a giant sigh of relief before  resuming their godless lifestyles. 

Perhaps God intends these election results as a further wake-up call for His people.  We desperately need more than 40 days of prayer before an election.  We need the long-term transformation of Christian homes . . . where parents take seriously the spiritual welfare of their children and grandchildren . . . where family worship takes precedence over participation in sports and other extra-curricular activities . . . where the godless curriculum of secular education is replaced by a God-fearing methodology that cultivates Christian principles throughout the formative years of life, and  . . . where participation in God-honoring public worship becomes the highest priority in life.

This morning my Bible-reading schedule called for me to read the last two chapters of Jeremiah, the record of the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah because of their rejection of the Lord and His truth.  God could have spared the nation had they turned back to Him, but they refused. 

The prophet Isaiah declares the principle that Judah failed to heed, and which America is likewise rejecting, leading to our dramatic decline toward destruction: “Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.  But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (59:1-2).

Four more years of Obama cannot ultimately be blamed on media bias or an inferior Republican strategy.  God can overcome the most ignominious of political campaigns to install righteous leaders in our land and restore “the years the locusts have eaten”  (Joel 2:25).  But He expects His people to reflect a spirit of repentance that is more than skin deep (i.e., beyond the next election). 

Apart from a wide-spread spiritual awakening, I fear for the future of this nation.  It is entirely possible that we will live to see the implosion of the U.S. of A. into something very different than the Republic founded by our forefathers.  That process is well under way and will continue unless and until God intervenes.  But our faith must not rest in a better political strategy; instead our hope must reside in the Lord’s hand that is not shortened.