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The War II
"Let every soul be subject to
the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the
authorities that exist are appointed by God"
(Romans 13:1)
We’ve had communication from someone who is troubled that President George
Bush scheduled non-Christian speakers during the service at the National
Cathedral. They are also concerned that Rev. Billy Graham was willing to speak
in such a place, because leaders from various religions spoke at that time.
It’s important to consider such issues, and maybe we can learn and grow.
The concern is about the character of two men – George Bush and Billy
Graham. President Bush indeed made the decision to invite key people of just
about every recognizable religion to the National Cathedral. It must be noted
that this nation of many religions is at war. In war, you simply lack wisdom if
you don’t try to make as many friends as possible. Neutralizing enemies by
putting aside issues, no matter how real they are, is a political move.
Obviously, to make treaties and political concessions in the absence of
prayer would be foolishness and eventually would bring America to ruin as a
nation. But this President is on record as being a man of prayer, and so is Rev.
Graham. They (and we) are not under some kind of "Law" to perform some
pattern of behavior, but instead, as a nation, we must trust in God. That’s
what it says on our coins ("In God We Trust") and that must be the
reality in our lives. We trust in Him who reveals to us what we must do.
As is true for many other Americans, I choose to pray for the President,
especially at this time. There are "protesters" out there who oppose
our involvement in the war. Actually, we are involved whether we like it or not,
for if you don’t stand up to the bully who hits you, he’ll do it again. He
may do it anyway, but he would probably decide to keep on doing it, unless you
decide to stop him first. There are times to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39)
and there are times to turn over tables (Matthew 21:12), & only prayer can
tell us the difference.
Billy Graham had an opportunity to speak about Jesus Christ. You could make
the argument that he should not speak in Anaheim Stadium because they have
baseball games there, and baseball is not Christian. He spoke in Russia during a
time when avowed atheists were still in power. I’m glad he did. Maybe that is
a reason why there seem to be less atheists in Russia than there used to be.
I have read the testimony of George Bush and have read several of Billy
Graham’s books. These are men of good character. They are the first to admit
they are flawed, just like the rest of us. None of us know it all and they are
merely human. That’s why they pray, and you and I must pray for them. I
support the President’s decisions largely because he is a man of prayer. I
support Billy Graham on the same ground.
It is appreciated that there are people who are troubled by all of this. We
have a right to differ, and that is one of the wonders of America. It’s true
of the Church also – in the Church we should have the right to disagree in
love. I am going to support them because I believe Scripture teaches us to do
precisely that: "Let every soul
be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from
God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God"
(Romans 13:1)
I support them because they are men of prayer and they are openly seeking God
in the Name of Jesus Christ. They don’t need our protests at this time. We are
at war, and these men, our leaders, secular and religious, need ordinary people
like you and me to pray for them. It wouldn’t hurt to write them and tell them
you are praying, as well.
Billy Graham is full of the Holy Spirit of God. The concern about him is that
he chose to speak in a forum along with others NOT filled with that spirit. That’s
the point. The Holy Spirit not only gives words to the Speaker but He also
touches the hearts of the listeners. Many go forward at Rev. Graham’s
Crusades, but it’s not because of his abilities as a speaker. The reality is
that 1) the Holy Spirit chooses to speak through this man, and 2) the same Holy
Spirit speaks to the hearts of those who hear.
If the Holy Spirit of God spoke through only ONE man at the National
Cathedral, then he is the man the people heard. What a great opportunity. Elijah
the Prophet shared the stage in 2 Kings 18. The priests of Baal were given their
time (verse 26), "but there was
no voice; no one answered." Now it was Elijah’s
turn and "the fire of the Lord
fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice" (verse
38). All can speak but not all speak for God.
I went on the Internet to find the full texts of the talks at the National
Cathedral and read as much as possible. There was a lot of information. I also
found several objections to the ministry of Billy Graham. He hasn’t been
active against certain groups and that has troubled some.
We need to "let go of the rope" in relation to these men (and one
another). Corrie Ten Boom said, "it
is like letting go of a bell rope. In a country church with a bell in the
steeple, you have to pull on the rope for awhile in order to get the bell
ringing. Once it starts to ring, you simply need to keep up the momentum and it
will keep going. "Forgiveness
is letting go of the rope. It is just that simple. But when you do, the bell
keeps ringing for momentum is still at work. However, if you keep your hands off
the rope, the bell will begin to slow and eventually stop. The unforgiving
spirit will begin to slow and will eventually be still. Forgiveness is not
something you feel, it is something you do. It is letting go of the rope."
We are to be "kind to one
another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also
forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). We need to be less
skilled at condemning people and we need to find love for one another. Right
now, we are at war, and it is time to start supporting our Leaders, religious
and secular. You can quarrel with them later. Let us pray for those that God has
placed over you and me.
Ron Beckham, Pastor
Friday Study Ministries
www.fridaystudy.org
ron@fridaystudy.org
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