“In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:” – Ezra 1:1
There’s been an awful lot of angst-filled hand-wringing about leaders this year, hasn’t there? That’s certainly quite natural. However, desperation, anger, hatred, and fear about earthly leaders isn’t appropriate for Christians! Such an attitude misunderstands and even insults God’s power and sovereignty. Too many Christians act like functional atheists in believing that God needs help or that Christ or the church needs earthly protection.
God has always been completely clear: He alone makes nations rise and fall. He alone appoints leaders, both good and evil. He is 100% in control of history and uses even ungodly pagans like Cyrus to accomplish the things He promised and willed to do.
Christian, don’t put your love and hope in any earthly leader. Ever. Trust in God alone. Don’t compromise your Christian witness because of your dislike of any earthly leader. Be Christ toward that leader, toward those who disagree with you, and toward those who agree with you.
The world isn’t going to end because of some earthly leader. God is just as much in control today as He has always been. You do what Christ has commanded you to do. Let God take care of the rest!