Dr. John Hartmann

In this brief exhortation Dr. Hartmann speaks about two absolutes in God’s purpose, relating them to the present state of affairs in the political climate of the United States of America.

The first absolute is found in Daniel 4:34-35 and Isaiah 40:12-26. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, was humbled by God and brought to understand that the God of Israel was the “Most High” (El-Elyon), whose dominion is everlasting, and whose kingdom endures to all generations. He proclaimed that El-Elyon does according to His will in both the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. None can ward off His hand or say to Him “why have you done this”? This agrees with Isaiah 40:12-36, which views the inhabitants of the earth and all of its kings and rulers as nothing before God. In the end, no purpose God has can be thwarted. He is the Most High, over and above all.

The second absolute is found in Psalm 2:8-9, Revelation 5:9-10 and Isaiah 53:10-12. God has decreed that He will give Jesus the nations as His inheritance. Jesus died to purchase a people from every nation, tribe and tongue, and God will see to it that He receives this people as the reward of His sufferings. Having given Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His seed and prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand.

With this in view, Dr. Hartmann exhorts the saints to pray in accordance with Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy 2:1-8. We are to pray for kings and all who are in authority, with a view to us living a tranquil and peaceful life in all godliness and dignity, this providing the context of common grace within which God may execute His plan of redemption through the gospel.

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