Dear Hope Chest friends,
Like I said, I always like feedback to the Hope Chest issues I send out! This issue elicited the following response from Julie Druck. I very much appreciate her gracious spirit in writing as she did.
~~~
Dear Virginia,
I have been receiving your newsletter for quite some time now, and I so enjoy it. Your "simplicity and godly sincerity" shine through in your writing, and I appreciate it. I must admit, however, that one small thing made me twinge as I read it this afternoon, and that was your political humor. Though I am sure that you meant no harm by it, the Spirit pressed upon my heart the need to share with you. Please know that what I write is with the greatest of humility.
Though I, too, plan to vote for President Bush, I must admit that I have been disappointed lately in his compromising of integrity. Stooping to the typical "mud slinging" that's so common in the political arena really has no place coming from the mouth of a man who calls himself a disciple of Christ. Proverbs 10:9 tells us that "He who walks with integrity walks securely; but he who perverts his ways will become known." The President need not, indeed, should not, compromise his walk by resorting to the ways of the world. Speaking the truth with forthrightness and sincerity in dealing with the issues is what is important. Resorting to the finger-pointing and name-calling is irrelevant and unnecessary, besides being unbiblical.
I am disappointed also that many, many Christians don't have a problem making fun of and deriding those with whom they take political opposition. "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers," seems to be thrown out the window when it comes to Christians and politics.
We are exhorted in the Word "that all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (I Tim.2:1-4) If Senator Kerry becomes our next president, he will be in a position that demands our authority. Though we might not agree with what a President says or does, we must keep in mind that "the king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it where He wishes." (Prov. 21:1) The LORD God remains in control of the goings-on of this earth. We need not fear that a mere man will wreak havoc upon God's will.
Please know that these few comments come from a heart that desires to do God's will in all things. My intention is not to make you feel bad, but to simply give you a couple of things to chew on and to take back to the Lord and see what He says about them.
Again, I so appreciate your ministry as well as the time and attention you gave to reading this.
Because of His Great Grace,
Julie Druck, of York, Pennsylvania
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Julie's response reminds me of two things.
The first thing it brought to mind was the importance of gracious letter writing, even in a time of great political turbulence. This is contrasted so effectively in Ezra 4 and 5, when Reshum and Tattenai both write letters to Artaxerxes regarding the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. One uses inflammatory, accusatory language, while the other is respectful and factual. It would make a great language arts lesson to show your children the difference!
The second thing that I thought about was a contemporary worship song I had played for the high school students in my Reformation / Renaissance co-op classes several weeks ago. Written by a Brit, it reminds us all of who is really in authority. It's not a president, but a King! This song is extra special to me because last year at this time, I was wrestling with some faith issues following the death of my mother-in-law. Our family went to our church's annual Celebration South conference (part of Sovereign Grace Ministries), where this song was sung several times. It went straight to my heart, giving me the courage to keep on going.
In less than an hour, we will be leaving for this year's Celebration South (which actually started Thursday night). I know God will meet us there with a blessing again. Here is the song for YOUR encouragement today, no matter if you live in the USA with our presidental elections coming up, or in one of the many other countries and continents where Hope Chest readers educate their children...
To You King Jesus
by Nathan Fellingham
from New Frontiers Live 2002 CD
To you, King Jesus, we sing our song
The First and the Last, the Living One
With eyes like fire and feet like bronze
Your face shines brighter than the sun
All creation speaks Your name!
Jesus, Son of God
You stand in all authority
At Your name darkness flees
Oh Jesus, Living Word
Reigning at the Father's right hand
And You're clothed in majesty and power!
To you, King Jesus, we bring our hearts
For you have come to us
with Your great love
You suffered death, went to the grave
But now You're crowned with glory
All your people speak your name!
Jesus, Son of God
You stand in all authority
At Your name darkness flees
Oh Jesus, Living Word
Reigning at the Father's right hand
And You're clothed in majesty and power!
And we now stand at Your side
A people chosen for Your bride
You've filled us with the Spirit's power
This is the hour
So in Your strength I'll run this race
Covered by Your daily grace
Pressing on towards the prize
Till that day when You return
And every tribe and every tongue will sing!
Jesus, Son of God
You stand in all authority
At Your name darkness flees
Oh Jesus, Living Word
Reigning at the Father's right hand
And You're clothed in majesty and power!
~~
In his Sovereign Grace,
Virginia Knowles
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