By the time you read this, one of three things may have happened: We’ve either elected a new president; elected the same president; or we don’t know who the president will be. Each scenario has one thing in common: Chaos.
If Joe Biden won the election, President Trump has not said he would abide by the decision of the people and leave the White House peacefully. Allegations of voter fraud and other improprieties — without any proof — will be amplified. And, there is a good chance his followers will not take defeat lightly, even if its overwhelming. In the month and a half before the Jan. 20 Inauguration, we could see more unhinged behavior by him and his followers than thought possible.
If President Trump won, our country could be entering a very dark era, and over the next four years, could come to resemble a Banana Republic without the rule of law. Instead of the land of the free and home of the brave, we could have our first elected dictator. Much of that could be tempered if Democrats retain the House of Representatives and take over the Senate. If that happens, expect another Impeachment. If it doesn’t, there is no such thing as a Constitution that would stand in his way.
If there is no decision by the time you read this, real turmoil could ensue with both sides claiming victory, leaving the nation unsure of who will be president until 2024. The courts will most certainly get involved to sort through the chicanery. This is not new territory. We experienced this prospect in 2000 when the U. S. Supreme Court decided what a “Hanging Chad” was and gave the election to George W. Bush over Al Gore. Both sides have armies of lawyers at the ready in all 50 states — and there would be, although it’s unlikely, a chance that Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House, would assume the presidency if no decision were made by Jan. 20. Bush v. Gore was decided by the high court on Dec. 12, 2000.
So, what should Christians do and think? First of all, I’m sure everyone of voting age at Fellowship Bible Baptist Church, voted. If not, I have no conversation for you. Pastor reminded us again during his Oct. 11 sermon, using the examples of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that in order to create change, it had to be made — not from the outside — but from the inside. We need to express our power, not by shouting from outside, but by working from the inside, which is what we do when we cast our ballots.
And, just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who emerged from the fiery furnace — that had been heated up seven times hotter than normal — no matter which of the three scenarios come to pass, we will arise, as the Bible says, with our robes unscorched. Just as our Lord showed King Nebuchadnezzar who was the real King of all heaven and Earth, it is his will that can’t be denied.
We are reminded to stay calm in the face of such danger, in David’s words in Psalms 23:4,
Again, in Philippians 4:6, Our request to God is pretty simple. Have your way Lord; have your way.
Written by Charles E. Richardson