“And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy…?” Revelation 5:2
Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”
13 And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”14 And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped. Revelation 5:11-14
Every February, Americans will take a day to remember and celebrate their Presidents. There have been 45 Presidents including Grover Cleveland’s two, non-concurrent terms.
The reason we celebrate Presidents Day, as a Nation, is to continue the tradition, which began after the death of George Washington, our first President, of setting aside a special day of remembrance for Him – then for each successive President thereafter. At the time Washington was venerated as the most important figure in American history.
I find that interesting…
It seems a bit ironic, right now, to be facing a National Holiday, with the expressed purpose of venerating the highest elected office in our Nation, when the US House of Representatives has just voted on “articles” to Impeach our current President; Donald J Trump. It is particularly gut wrenching to look to such a holiday when, in my voting life time, 3 of the 7 Presidents, have faced impeachment; Nixon, Clinton and now Trump.
Therefore, as a Christian, I find it timely to consider who we should “venerate” i.e. “worship”, and who we should patriotically appreciate for their God given role, as we pray for them to fulfill it in a God honoring way. I find it helpful to remember this – we Christians reserve our highest allegiance, our veneration for the One who is truly “worthy” of worship; the One true God who sits on a heavenly throne; ruling the nations of men and their Kings, Presidents and Prime ministers.
Oh, don’t get me wrong. I am patriotic, but I am not naïve – I stand firmly on two enduring principles of Scripture, when it comes to American Presidents…
- We shall not speak evil of a leader of our people”; (Exodus 22:28/Acts 23:5).
- And, We shall pray for those who lead us… “2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
Therefore, I will celebrate with gratitude “Presidents Day” this February, because I appreciate our country and my citizenship in it. And I will support whoever our President is because of a maxim in scripture – that as I seek the welfare of America, I benefit – for in its welfare, is mine and so too, is our Nation’s. (Jeremiah 29:7)
Well, now you know why we founded the Master’ Men – it’s an attempt to reach men with the gospel, to help them grow in Christ, that we might see a favorable, godly, uptick in biblical family values – which is good for marriages, children, neighborhood and entire communities; as well as the Nation.
Because Christ came to save people – we care too; about people. Because groups of collective people build nations, we’re dedicated to the task of people building up, in Christ; because …”He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. (Ephesian 4:11-13)
Therefore, rather than complain about issues or leaders, we’ve decided that we can best serve a nation by bringing Jesus and His gospel to its people.
Finally; because men are apt to err, we go to make disciples. In that way we can best serve our country, by serving individual men – so that a growing body of godly leaders, at home, work and government, will preserve the beautiful benefits we enjoy, when we are “one nation under God” – so may it be Lord Jesus; so help me God!