God's One, Two Punch

     My son-in-law recently posted on Facebook that he would not vote for Donald Trump in the 2020 election regardless of his policies (which I consider blessings to our country), because of his poor moral character. I am not going to try change his mind; he is as hard headed as I am. I will leave that to God. But his post drove me to the Bible (always a good thing) to begin a study of leaders God chose in the past. Specifically, powerful, ungodly rulers combined with a man, or woman, of God. What I call God's One, Two Punch.

Pharaoh & Abraham (Gen. 13:16)  God used a lusty Pharaoh and the cowardly, lying, father of our faith, Abraham, to make Abe wealthy.

Abimelech & Abraham (Gen 20)  Same scenario, same liar, same outcome, different ruler.

Pharaoh & Moses (Ex. ch. 6-11)  God used a hostile Pharaoh and hesitant Moses to prove the power of Jehovah to Israel and to Egypt. And He did it so memorably, surrounding nations were afraid to attack the Jews on their 40 year camp out, and even after.

Nebuchadnezzar & Daniel (Dan. ch 4:34-35)  After proud Nebuchadnezzar spends seven years as a free range bovine, he officially acknowledges Daniel's God as supreme.

Darius & Daniel (Dan 6:25-27) After being tricked into throwing Daniel into the lions' den, not only did Darius decree that his subjects fear Daniel's God, but also turned Daniel's enemies into the lions' dinner.

Cyrus/Darius/Artaxerxes & Ezra (2 Chron. 36, Ezra ch. 1 & 6) God used these men to let Jewish captives, along with confiscated temple treasures, return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.

Artaxerxes & Nehemiah (Neh. 2)  God used Artaxerxes' authority and nervous Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem's walls.

Ahasuerus & Esther (Esther ch. 8-9)  God used arrogant, licensed-to-kill, Ahasuerus and fearful, faithful Esther not only to save the Jews from destruction, but to turn the tables on their tormentors.

    This is not an exhaustive list and I made it with my good Bible tied behind my back, so to speak. My travel Bible has a tiny concordance and no helps. The rulers listed above were not elected, and had the power to kill political rivals, but that was because crucifying opponents through news media was not yet available. There were several good men who ran for President in 2016, but God chose Donald Trump. And Trump has, inexplicably (apart from the sovereignty of God) chosen to surround himself with men of faith as running mate and advisors. Looking back, I realize the men I wanted to vote for could not have withstood the fire hose (aka shit storm) of opposition Trump has. For that, God needed an egomaniac. But because of that One, Two Punch, policies have been enacted that the moral, Christian presidents of my lifetime never had the chutzpah to try:

•    Defunding Planned Parenthood
•    Appointing pro life judges to the Supreme Court
•    Stop bankrolling nations who hate us and our ally, Israel
•    Recognizing Jerusalem, God's holy city, as Israel's capitol
•    Upholding freedom of worship in America
•    Working for release of Christians unjustly imprisoned in other countries

    I may have held my nose to vote for Donald Trump in 2016, but I will gladly vote for him in 2020, because I can see God working through him and I want to be a part of that. I appreciate my son-in-law's walk with God and leadership of his family, but I do not believe standing for our principles is God's highest plan for us. That can easily become entangled with self righteousness. I believe our highest purpose and privilege is to participate in doing God's will on Earth as it is in heaven. God has never limited Himself to men of good morals as the authorities He sets in place to fulfill His purposes, and I probably should not set my standard higher than His. ONE What He does require is for a believer close to that person to speak up for what is right. TWO  The question is not whether I would choose Donald Trump as President, but whether God has. PUNCH