Donald, Hillary, Bernie, Ted, or John

     Our omniscient God reveals the end from the beginning.

     “I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done…”  Isaiah 46:9b-10  

     Moses displayed God’s omniscience to the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan to possess the Promised Land.

     “…for I know your rebellion and your stiff neck.  If today, while I am yet alive with you, you have been rebellious against the LORD, then how much more after my death?...For I know that after my death you will become utterly corrupt, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you.  And evil will befall you in the latter days…”  Deuteronomy 31:27, 29

     And remember what Paul said about Israel’s purpose during their 40 year wilderness journey. 

     “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”  1 Corinthians 10:11

     Moses told the Israelites that inasmuch as they had been rebellious while he was yet alive, how much more would they rebel after his death.

     Note particularly that Israel would experience God’s wrath in the ‘latter days.’  The latter days are defined as the future period at the end of this current age.  Hebrew synonyms for ‘latter’ include ‘end,’ ‘last,’ and ‘uttermost.’  Disobedience has profound, timeless consequences.

     Moses was given another prophecy about the Israelites.

     “When you come to the land which the LORD your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, and say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me,’ you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses; one from among your brethren…”  Deuteronomy 17:14-15

     Note the absolute sovereignty of God.  His plan is incomprehensible.  And sure enough Israel demanded a king four hundred years after God had announced it.

     At the same time He announced that Israel would demand a king, He stipulated the king’s relationship to God’s word.

     “Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests…and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law, and these statutes…”  Deuteronomy 17:18-19

     This was the same law that was placed in the ark.  Also it was the same law for the priests.  There was no such thing as separation of church and state.  The king must read and study the law so that he could rule according to God’s laws.

    

     Approximately five centuries after Moses’ death, King Solomon summarized his life and the significance of keeping God’s word.   

     “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.”  Ecclesiastes 12:13

     Finally the last prophet in the Old Testament confirmed God’s immutability.

     “For I am the LORD, I do not change…”  Malachi 3:6

     Therefore, God’s word also does not change. 

     Jesus said to the Pharisees:

     “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition…making the word of God of no effect...” Mark 7:9, 13

     Remember, the final words in the Bible warn of adding or subtracting from God’s word.

    God, His word, His purpose, His plan, and His law are immutable.

    Just as God revealed that He had Chosen Saul to be Israel’s first king in ages past, so it is with our next president as well as the Supreme Court justices that our next president will nominate.

    And while God’s standard of righteousness revealed to Israel 3,500 years ago abides, our next president and the judges he/she will nominate will be held accountable to abide by it also.

     Therefore, a more relative question for today is ‘why’ a particular individual has been chosen by God to be president.

     Could it be for the same reason God chose Saul?

     “I gave you a king in my anger…”  Hosea 12:11

Check out Walt’s latest book: God’s Plan for His Chosen: the Cost and the Conflict