“Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God our Father” (Phil.2:10-11)
“I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Rev.5:13)
Lord Jesus, I pray and write today it looks like the USA Government is about to get unstuck, unfrozen, un-shuttered. I’m grateful for this, especially on behalf of the poor who are always most impacted by these kinds of things. Whatever getting the US government up and running involves, may the “least of these” get most of the immediate care and provision.
But whatever our national identity and no matter how many passports we own, first and foremost we belong to you, Jesus. And you have called us to be a people to the “praise of your glorious grace” (Eph.1:6)—especially on behalf of the lost and weak.
Indeed, until every government and empire is humbled before you, every world and local leader is face-down before you, every human and all animals are awe-filled and tongue-confessing that you are Lord (Phil.2:10-11)—until every tree claps about your glory and every mountain sings your praise (Isa.55:12)… Jesus, you call, equip, and free us to live and love by you and for you.
We are to be “salt and light”—not pepper spray and flame throwers, not Splenda and lipstick, not angry/fearful political parties but throwers of multiple Gospel-parties. To know, love, and follow you Jesus is to live as caring servants and foot washers—as grace-yeast not pride and anger fertilizer. Grant it, Jesus, for your glory. So Very Amen.