Press On

There is certainly more to Phil Robertson, founder of Duck Commander and one of the central figures on Duck Dynasty on A&E, than meets the eye.

Beneath that “river-rat” (description of himself) persona is a man who has two degrees, one being a Masters in Education. The story of his life is inspiring, and he makes no bones about how he was saved from a life of sin to a life filled with love of family and King Jesus. He has spoken to Presidents, heads of states, members of congress, CEOs of major companies, and always he shares the love of Jesus with them.

In his book “Jesus Politics – How to Win Back the Soul of America” he points out what has happened in America on many fronts, including the family. He points out how the Biblical family unit – one man and one woman, husband and wife – has been de-constructed and warped into a modern perversion of the family unit with lax divorce laws and same-sex marriage by the courts and lawmakers.

But he says “The godless politics of men can’t change the family structure put forth by the Almighty, no matter how hard they try. But if they keep undermining God’s design, America will continue to suffer the consequences as a country. What consequences?

A lack of discipline.

Increased violence.

Increased rates of depression.

A country of godless, senseless, loveless, self-absorbed, self-indulgent, uncommitted people. “

While the liberal media and “experts” are blaming these symptoms on the pandemic, which may be partly to blame with strict isolation forced on us, how much blame should our churches shoulder? How much blame should believers accept for not sharing the Gospel enough, the Good News that Jesus can and does change lives?

I know other men like Phil; men who never claim to be perfect, and as Paul said do not claim to have fully apprehended, but they do all they can to remain true to Christ.

¹² Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. ¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

This passage from Daniel chapter 2 was shared with me for the second time in 24 hours – and it says:

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
²¹ And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.
²² He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him.

Nothing that happens in this election, or any other time, is a surprise to God. Since HE knows, we need only to put our trust in Him, and let others know He is still in control, He never changes, He “removes kings and raises up kings” (and presidents!).

Blessed be the Name of the Lord!