Is America Saul?

In a recent radio program (available online), Dr. Al Mohler asks, “Should American Christians be optimistic about the future?” His conclusion is that optimism about the future, as well as pessimism, are incompatible with a Christian worldview. According to Dr. Mohler, we cannot be optimistic because we know things will only get worse in America (as indicated by recent events), but we cannot be pessimistic because we have an eschatological hope in the eventual return of Christ.

This kind of talk sounds like David resigning himself to never become King because Saul was such a wicked guy. Instead, through years of suffering, he patiently waited for what God has promised through Samuel: the crown. Do we doubt our commission? We have been delivered marching orders. Christ (a better Samuel) himself tells us, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

We, like David, have confidence, but not in our own ability to grasp authority for ourselves. We, like David, are not afraid of Saul just because he currently rules and there is no end in sight. Our confidence rests in the promises of God. Though it started relatively well, it is obvious that America is quickly becoming Saul. But where there is a Saul there is a David and the Kingdom of God is often established on the blood of the older brother.

So while we (optimistically) wait for the beast to die, our job is to make sure that we are like David (prepared to take up the mantle of authority) instead of being Ish-bosheth, the last sons of a corrupt line. We do that by being built up in the better David, Jesus Christ. We follow Paul, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body…let the word of God dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, and with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:15-16

There they are, bellowing with their mouths with swords in their lips – for “Who,” they think, “will hear us?” But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you hold the nations in derision. O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress. My God in his steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.” – Psalm 59:7-10