Daily Devotions
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
Every government likes to give the impression it can protect its people.
Sadly, there are times the impression is a false one. Case in point: Iran has recently unveiled its new super jet, the Qaher-313. According to the press releases it has “state-of-the-art” technology and “radar-evading” capability.
The press releases also shared a photograph of the jet in flight. Only a few small problems …
Problem 1 – The picture that was shared had been Photoshopped. By that I mean Iran’s press department took an aerial photograph of mountains and superimposed their jet on that picture.
Problem 2 – Other photographs of the back of the plane show there is no engine nozzle to give the jet impetus. Further, the jet is so small there is no room for all the stuff that makes a modern jet effective. Even worse, the glass in the cockpit is so opaque the pilot, if he got off the ground, wouldn’t be able to see where he was going. Lastly, the plane seems to have no rivets to hold it together. Experts point out even stealth jets have some identifying rivets.
When I read the article about the Qaher-313, I remembered a hymn verse which said:
“Trust not in princes, they are but mortal; earthborn they are and soon decay. Naught are their counsels at life’s last portal, when the dark grave doth claim its prey. Since, then, no man can help afford, Trust ye in Christ, our God and Lord. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!” (The Lutheran Hymnal pg. 26, v. 2).
This is just a poetic way of saying governments are composed of sinners like you and me. They may do a fine job of helping people in this world, but the wisest of governments is helpless when it comes to the final judgment. At that time, and long before, we’re going to need the Savior, Christ the Lord.
So strongly did the hymn writer feel about what he had just said, he added a double “Hallelujah!”
I agree. If human history shows us anything, governments, even the best intentioned, are temporary and transient. What humanity needs is the Savior, who can protect us from sin, the devil and death.
Thankfully, we have such a Person in Jesus Christ. He is God’s Son who sacrificed His life, so we might have life and have it eternally. He gave His all, so we could be brought into God’s family of faith and be protected from the forces of evil that would destroy us.
It’s something to remember when you hear the evening news and hear the nations rattling their sabers. Remember, “Earthborn they are and soon decay.”
Remember we can give thanks to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. That’s God’s truth and it’s worthy of a double Hallelujah!
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, it is easy for us to be swayed by the rhetoric of politicians and governments. Let us trust in You and You alone for our future both now and forever. In Jesus’ Name I ask it. Amen.