Did God Put Barack Obama in the White House?

Many Christians are disappointed in the outcome of the recent Presidential election in which Barack Obama was reelected for another four year term. But despite their disappointment, many have concluded that it must have been God’s will for the President to be reelected. They believe that the Lord must have some plan and a reason why He put Barack Obama back in the White House. The passage often cited by those who speak this way is in Daniel.

This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men” (Daniel 4:17, NKJV).

However, it is important to note that the time in which Daniel prophesied was different than the time in which we live. While God had a direct hand in raising rulers and overthrowing governments in the time of Daniel, we should not immediately conclude that He is working in the same way today. I wrote about this in a previous article. For the sake of time, I will quote from a portion of that article here:

The nations that God used in the Old Testament had one thing in common – they were used in a way that related to the coming of Christ. Egypt would provide the place for the children of Israel to grow into “a great nation” (Genesis 46:2-3). The nation of Israel itself was established and the lineage preserved so that the promise of the Christ could be fulfilled (Deuteronomy 7:7-8; Zechariah 8:12-13). The kingdoms referred to in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream – the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, and Roman empires – were all leading up to the “fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4) when Christ’s kingdom would be established during the time of Rome (Daniel 2:44).

Because God had a specific purpose for certain nations in the Bible, many assume that the same must be true for the United States. However, no modern nation is mentioned in the Bible – nothing beyond the Roman empire. All we can say by faith (Romans 10:17) is what the Bible says. Anything beyond this is opinion and speculation. (The Rise and Fall of the United States: A Biblical Perspective)

Before we conclude that God put Barack Obama in the White House for a reason, remember what the prophet Amos said: “Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). Without the benefit of divine prophecy, it is presumptuous speculation to conclude that God did something to bring/keep the President of the United States in power. We do not have any such prophecy today. This ceased when God’s revelation was completed (1 Corinthians 13:8-10), which we now have in written form in our Bibles. We know that God has ordained a role for government (Romans 13:3-4), but as far as setting certain individuals in power, or causing a nation to rise or fall by His direct action, we cannot affirm such by faith (Romans 10:17).

What Did Put Barack Obama in the White House?

If we cannot attribute the reelection of the President to the divine manipulation of modern events, how do we account for this? Politics aside, with the state of the economy, the debacle in Libya, and other factors, it would seem highly improbable that any incumbent President would be reelected. Yet this President was. Why? Certainly there are some political reasons. I am not interested in discussing these in this article. But there are other reasons that pertain to the state of our society in regard to morality and righteousness that we need to consider.

Greed put Barack Obama in the White House — Many people vote based upon which candidate promises the most gain. However, the Scriptures teach that righteous, able-bodied people will work to provide for themselves and their families (Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:8) and then be content with what they have, regardless of whether they have “humble means” or enjoy “prosperity” (Philippians 4:11-12).

Hatred put Barack Obama in the White House — Unfortunately, there is a significant portion of our population that hates those who are successful or prosperous and wants them to be “punished” through higher taxes and increasingly burdensome regulations. This is not the attitude the Christian should have. We are to “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15). Paul wrote, “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Instead of being motivated by hatred toward others, Paul wrote: “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).

Slothfulness put Barack Obama in the White House — Though there are some who cannot work, there are many who are unwilling to work and demand that the government subsidize their laziness. Therefore, they vote for the candidate they believe will keep their money coming in each month without interruption. But Paul wrote, “For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Racism put Barack Obama in the White House — I have not seen the final numbers, but at one point last night, I saw a poll that said 93% of blacks had voted for Obama (who, of course, is also black). If the same percentage of whites voted for Mitt Romney, people would rightly conclude that racism contributed to such a high percentage. While it is certainly true that not all blacks who voted for Obama did so because of his race, many did (just how many, we will never know). We must remember that all men are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and share a common ancestry (Acts 17:26). Therefore, all men are equal. “God is not one to show partiality” (Acts 10:34). Therefore, we should not show partiality, either for or against anyone, based upon their race.

Sexual immorality put Barack Obama in the White House — A growing number of people are fighting for the acceptance of homosexuality in society as a normal behavior and the establishment of same-sex marriage. So it is natural that they support a candidate that will support their agenda. Homosexuality is, of course, condemned in Scripture (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:10), which makes same-sex “marriage” a moot point. But besides homosexuality, premarital sex also contributed to President Obama’s support. The Hebrew writer said, “Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). God designed marriage to be the place for one to enjoy sexual relations. Yet many in our society view sexual relations before marriage as being completely normal. But, not wanting to deal with the consequences of their actions, many want to be able to have sex before marriage, but have free contraceptives and access to abortion services [next point]. So they vote for the candidate that suits these desires.

Abortion put Barack Obama in the White House — The issue of abortion is framed by many as a “women’s right” issue. Yet abortion is not about a woman’s “right,” it is murder. [See my article: Contraceptives, Abortion, and Infanticide.] The divinely ordained role of government is to punish those who do evil (Romans 13:4). Abortion certainly falls into this category. Unfortunately, many demand that the government to condone and even fund the practice of abortion.

Broken homes put Barack Obama in the White House — God designed the home as a place where children could be provided for, led, taught, and nurtured by a father and mother (1 Timothy 5:8; Ephesians 5:22-23; 6:4; Titus 2:4-5). Unfortunately, too many men in particular do not want to fulfill their responsibilities, leaving the mother to try to raise the children on her own. Often, government money and programs are seen as the solution for this sad situation. If homes were as God intended them to be, such government money and programs would be unnecessary.

Idolatry put Barack Obama in the White House — Many who have rejected God have made government into their god. The people elevated Herod to such a status when they cried out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” (Acts 12:22). Why would they view Herod in this way? Their livelihood depended on Herod. Luke noted: “Their country was fed by the king’s country” (Acts 12:20). God, not government, is the source of “every good thing” and “every perfect gift” (James 1:17). Therefore, we must look to God first for our blessings. But when people forsake God, they will turn elsewhere for their needs. For many, this is government.

Conclusion

Thomas B. Reed (1839-1902), a United States Representative from Maine, said: “One of the greatest delusions in the world is the hope that the evils in the world are to be cured by legislation.” The way to fix the greatest problems in our country is not through legislation or government programs, but with a change in people’s hearts. The wise man said, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). The results of this election may be disappointing, but they should impress upon us the great need of teaching the gospel and promoting righteousness among those we meet.


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Comments

  1. This is very thought provoking

  2. Rita Bowers says

    I have read this article forwarded to me by my brother-in-law–I do agree on what was said of the kings, etc. in the O.T. as far as God putting them in power–However–he did not agree–with– but allowed the people to have Kings–the scriptures in the N.T. in the 13th Chapter of Romans definitely tells us that there is no Power that God has not put in–it does not say that these Powers are good or bad but that he did put them in–and we are to be in subjection to them–We need to remember that no matter who is the head of the Nations–in the end–God has total Control–The leader of Iraq is dead–the leader of Lybia is dead–Leaders have been put in and taken out–When the Isralites were disobedient-God allowed them to go into Captivity–then when they were repentant–he forgave them and took them back–All these people who think they are Homosexual (Gay)those who believe it is O.K. to support abortion–as well as Drunks, Druggies, Muderers, Thieves, and Immorality of all kinds–if they truly repent God will forgive them–and all who support such behaviors–Jesus says to love your enemies and do good to them–I did not want President Obama to be reelected–but hope he repents for his support of Immoral Behaviors—This world is not about America–although I am blessed to be a Native Born American–and raised by my Dad in the Conservative Church of Christ–have been a Sinner–returned to Jesus and his Church–and God wants all to be saved–even President Obama—and other leaders of other Nations–if they will repent–I believe what Paul the Apostle–(in his inspired writings) in the first part of the 13th Chapter of Romans–when he said –God put the Powers in and there is no Power he did not put in–if these Powers are Immoral and Evil according to the Scriptures–Perhaps they are put in place to bring an Evil and Erring Nation to Repentance-

  3. Rita, the nations mentioned in the Old Testament, on up to the Roman Empire, were all used by God in a way relating to the coming of Christ and establishment of His kingdom. Paul’s point in Romans 13 is that God is the ultimate authority. After Rome, no other nation is mentioned in the Bible pertaining to God’s scheme of redemption. To say that God is still raising and overthrowing nations today is like saying miracles still exist. They happened in the Bible and were done for a specific purpose. But since that purpose has been fulfilled, they are no longer necessary.

    This goes back to the point I made from Amos 3:7 – “Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets.” What prophets of God are foretelling of divine judgment coming in the form of physical punishment against the United States for the sins of its people? What prophets are declaring the role that Barack Obama is playing in God’s plan? There aren’t any. Therefore, it is pure speculation to say that God was directly working to put any of our leaders in place. Instead of speculating, we need to speak were the Bible speaks (1 Peter 4:11).

    And yes, we are still to be subject to our leaders, but only to the extent that God allows us to (Acts 5:29; 1 Peter 2:16).

  4. Joan Black says

    I agree with some of what you said. However, there are moral issues on both sides of the isle and I feel like Christians are missing this! I know Gay Marriage and Abortion are big ones. However, why isn’t anyone talking about Romney’s past in supporting Gambling. He even owned gambling machines!! Also, a lot of Christians are honored to help the poor like Prov. 4:31 says. “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” Not everyone hates the rich, some just feel that helping the poor is a duty. And to say Obama is Black is actually false. He is biracial. He was raised by his white mother and grandmother. I agree with you that most blacks identify with him, but that does not define him as black exclusively. I think Christians need to be really careful right now. Their reaction to this election is pushing more and more of the secular world away. Some of my brothers and sisters in Christ have shocked me with their hateful posts on FB. This is the perfect time for us to be good sports about the results and to reach out to the secular world. We do not have to agree with them to do this. I am leaving you with a very good sermon I heard prior to the election. I STRONGLY encourage you to take time to listen to this. For now, all we can do is pray for our leaders and pray for our country!
    http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bburgchurchofchrist.org%2Fsermon%2Fread%2F1194&h=KAQFlSiAV

    GOD BLESS!!

  5. Mari Quashie says

    This is perhaps one of the most unchristian things I have ever read…using the scriptures to support your political beliefs and your obvious contempt for women’s rights and the suffering of the poor…this is a vitriolic attack based on race, gender and socio-economic position. I hope that you become blessed with the love and humility of Christ. I pray that you learn to use the scriptures to promote the love of God for each and everyone of his children….I hope you use Christ’s teaching to promote unity: ‘And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. ‘But the greatest of these is love”1 Corinthians 13:13 .

    ‘He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict.’2 Chronicles 19:6
    May the lord bless you and guide you in all you do. Amen

  6. Joan, I was unaware of any support by Romney, past or present, for gambling. You may be right about that. But I’m fairly certain that no one voted for him because he supported gambling. I completely agree with you that many of the reactions by Christians online to the election were completely uncalled for. That’s why I wrote what I did. We can’t afford to get mad about this. The problems in this country are far deeper than political.

  7. Mari, I wasn’t using Scripture to discuss political beliefs. I was using Scripture to discuss issues of morality. Just because immorality and unrighteousness shape the political opinions of many in the world does not mean that these issues are off limits for preachers and Bible teachers to talk about.

  8. Ray Weddington says

    good thoughts, well said and biblically sound… Mari is way off the mark, nothing unchristian about this… always appreciate you and your writing and standing for the faith and God’s Word…. Mari and other liberals like her show their lack of bible knowledge in the remarks she makes… all preachers, and christians can do is reveal the word of God.. but, you will be attacked.. Keep the faith brother!

  9. Thanks, Ray. I appreciate the support.

  10. Wayne D. Teel says

    Andy,

    Thanks for your courage to speak and write the truth. You knew before you wrote you would be slandered. But that should not stop and honest person from speaking the truth. Jesus promised it would be this way. The truth will NOT be appreciated in an evil society.

    Morality is the issue as you plainly stated. I don’t really get involved in politics. I can still worship God regardless of who is elected to the office of President.

    The reason that Obama was elected can be explained in just one word: EVIL. We have a very evil and corrupt society in the world and America is no exception. No really good man could ever be elected to that high office. No really good man would ever run for that office in the first place.

    The people have spoken and the people wanted a wicked man in office and the people got exactly what they wanted. Why should that surprise anyone? This nation is very corrupt and evil.

    All the very good reasons you mentioned in your article for why Obama was elected are simply defining the evil very specifically and very clearly to all who have their eyes open and who will admit to the truth.

    Those who wrote criticizing you for speaking the truth have simply shown what side of the truth they are standing on.

    Please keep up the good work. God bless you for your firm stand for the truth. Those who love the truth will hold up your hands.

  11. Thanks, you’re right. This is not about the President. It’s about the moral state of our nation. We must speak the truth, contrasting what is good with what is evil, unrighteous, and immoral. The fact that rulers and the selection of them is involved does not change that.

  12. I believe: God ALLOWED our voting people to chose what they wanted for their current society. Which means in its declined state,we are probably surpassing the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah at this stage in the game. If God put him there,( which I do not believe) it was to fulfill Armageddon and the book of Revelation.-which was revealed to us by God. Christians will be persecuted in the end times.
    So, for those who believe that God puts people in power to kill millions these days, then youbelieve he put Hitler inpower to kill, and utterly torture.starve, rape and millions in WW2. I find your faith interesting.
    Do you not know that God is LOVE? If you give God credit for all this, what do you give Satan credit for, love and peace?
    Give to Satan what is Satans. Give to God what is Gods. Love, honor, glory, peace, kindness, forgiveness.
    Do you not know, or have heard of spiritual warfare? What is a war when one side has total control of everything? not much battle or war is there!
    God is sovereign, and Holy. In him there is NO darkness.
    After the bashing of 911, the democrats put a muslim man in the White House through lies and deception. An once in there, he has promoted every single offense to God and man he can muster. He speaks of the “holy Koran” .
    Holy what? There is ONE Bible, one Jesus, One Holy SPirit, and One God, who is a jealous God. Ther are no others before him. We should live each other as the world declines and darkens, and The Lord may have mercy upon us, or we this generation may have to “carry our own real cross” of us being killed and destroyed….but I find the promise of heaven to be my goal…..this place is just not our resting point, it is our journey. God bless you all. In Jesus Love Amen

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