Fearless #23 - Who's Really in Charge?

Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. Revelation 1:17b 

John found himself exiled on an island by a corrupt ruler of a godless empire. As he prayed, Jesus appeared to comfort him with a message of what the final outcome would be. His greatest word of comfort was simply that He is the First and the Last, the Alpha and Omega. No other leader, government, or world system will have the final word. He will…period. 

Some of us need to relax and remember who’s really in charge. If we’re not careful, too much cable news or talk radio can reduce us to discouragement or anger. At times like that, I have to stop and breathe a word of thankful prayer to the one who set the world in motion and holds the future. His message is as fresh today as when it was first spoken: “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last!” 

No fear.

For Reflection: Do my politics shape my faith or does my faith shape my politics? How does focusing on Jesus change my perception of government, political parties, and people with whom I disagree?

Lord, I am so thankful that You will have the final word. Governments rise and fall, but You are the one constant. Your kingdom will never fail! Help me to look at our world with eyes of faith, not fear and remember that you have always cared for those who trust You. We don’t need to be afraid. Let my faith in You shape my political views and responses…not the other way around.