Those of us who live in the United states are on the cusp of a monumental election. It’s hard to rise above the rhetoric. But it’s important to keep listening to God’s voice, for He has much to say about power and pride.
Let me be clear: this is not a political post. The purpose of my blogs, “Inspiration from Living History,” is to highlight biblical events and connect the dots to provide practical application and encouragement for today.
The power struggles surrounding this election remind me of two rulers. One you likely know, the other you likely don’t.
Belshazzar was coregent of Babylon while his father, King Nabonidus, was off fighting in Egypt. The pampered son mistakenly believed Babylon was invincible—even as the Medes and Persians surrounded the city. His pride and arrogance were his downfall. While Belshazzar, his wives and concubines, officials and influencers drank themselves under the table, the Medes and Persians were diverting and draining Babylon’s canals so they could literally walk into the city.
Pride blinded Belshazzar to reality. Pride prevented him from learning from his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar’s mistakes. Most of all, pride hardened his heart, making him arrogant toward the living God.
God has a way of putting prideful people in their place—while reminding them that no king, government, or empire can outlast God.
If you know the story in Daniel Chapter 5, God’s handwriting on the wall told Belshazzar he was out of time to change. He died that night, and the Medes and Persians obliterated the Babylonian Empire overnight.
Fast forward about four hundred sixty years to another person who wanted to be king.
Right before Herod the Great died, he carved his kingdom into pieces for three of his sons to rule. Call it paranoia or prudence. Maybe Herod knew something they didn’t. None of his sons received the title of king. Ouch.
Archaelus quickly made a mess trying to appease the Jews rioting in Jerusalem. Other revolts ignited across Herod’s kingdom. A highly educated, high-ranking slave of Herod’s named Simon burned and pillaged several of Herod’s country homes, his fortress at Jericho, and made a mess in Perea where Antipas was settling in as tetrarch. Flush with pride, Simon proclaimed himself king and crowned himself with a plundered diadem.
Never heard of that? It’s but a footnote in history because it was squelched before it went farther. Gratus, the head of Herod’s infantry, called in favors with Roman soldiers to stamp out the uprising.
Simon had enjoyed uncommon privileges and responsibilities under Herod. More than a grudge against his former boss must have fueled his actions. Pride got the upper hand.
What we forget—especially during election season—is that pride isn’t limited to the privileged and the powerful.
That catchy phrase “pride goes before the fall” applies to all of us.
I hope you are joining others in praying for all our officials and continue doing so regularly. Pray they humble themselves and realize only God can make them—and our country—prosper. Pray we don’t succumb to personal pride in judging others but remain prayerfully engaged the way God wants us to, even when it’s tough to pray for people across the political aisle.
Thank God that we can look to Daniel as an enduring example of how to prayerfully live and serve in exile. For more than seventy years, he lived in a foreign, pagan culture. We live in a fallen world, a broader place of “exile.” Heaven is our true home. But let’s do more than tread water until we get there.
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