US Election 2020
by Nathan Shaw
The 2020 presidential election could be the most consequential since the 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln just before the American Civil War. I have been asking God about the 2020 election. Here’s what I’m sensing.
A Replay
In many ways the 2020 election will be a replay of the 2016 election. The 2016 election was full of contentions and surprises. Things looked one way but turned out another. In 2020 both the level of contentions and the number of contentions have increased dramatically. Many of the same issues are on the table and new ones have been added. It’s essentially the same battle, but now the stakes are even higher. Prayer determined the outcome of the 2016 election. Prayer will determine the outcome of this election.
A New Era
United States Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, died on September the 18th, the eve of Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. We are at the end of one era and the start of a new one. Rosh Hashanah is also associated with the blowing of shofars (see Leviticus 23:24, Numbers 29:1). There is a wake-up call going forth that will bring fresh vision and clear perspective. The scales of justice are being re-calibrated. There will be a new value on life.
A Prophetic Psalm
It is significant that the presidential election is 46 days after the start of Rosh Hashanah (Rosh Hashanah started at sun down on September the 18th). Psalm 46 is a prophetic psalm for this season. The psalm describes nations raging. When God utters His voice the raging ceases. Verse 9 is particularly relevant concerning recent events in the Middle East and the conflicts and “wars” that are raging within the United States right now: “[God] makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire” (Psalm 46:9). The psalm goes on: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth (Psalm 46:10)! The psalmist promises that God will bring deliverance just at the break of dawn—in other words, there was still an intense battle (Psalm 46:5). Prophesy and declare Psalm 46 over the United States of America. It truly is a word in season.
A Demonic Delusion
There has been much commentary on the contentious nature of the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. It’s so easy to judge things through our limited perceptions. Knowing this, I deliberately asked God for His perspective. He reminded me of a scene from the movie, The Two Towers. In the scene Gandalf frees King Theoden from a strong demonic delusion that was controlling his mind. The confrontation between Gandalf and the demonic delusion was intense. Initially Gandalf’s authority was cloaked. During the confrontation his full authority was revealed and the delusion broke. King Theoden was restored to his right mind and his former strength. It happened none too soon for King Theoden played a key role in an even bigger battle that was unfolding.
Behind what we see in the natural there is an intense spiritual battle raging. God is using Trump to confront and expose a powerful demonic delusion that is seeking to control the United States. It is not my point to justify inappropriate behaviors, however, understanding the nature of the spiritual battle can greatly change the way we interpret things. The Church needs to stand behind Trump in this battle, rather than judge him harshly. It is easy to see his faults. Instead, we should focus on his strengths. He is seeing the nature of the deception; he is boldly confronting the deception; and, he is taking many knocks because of his stand. It is our responsibility to stand with the leaders that God raises up for appointed times.
A Renewed Battle
The American Civil War was “the country’s greatest moral, constitutional, and political crisis” (Wikepedia). That battlefront has been renewed. The 2020 election is just one part of the battle. God is looking for a new breed of freedom fighters who understand the nature of the battle and respond to His voice. A heavenly shofar is blowing. A new era has begun. Demonic delusions are being exposed and challenged. Don’t be confused or intimidated by the increasing cacophony of chaotic sounds clamoring and jostling for attention. Listen instead for the clear voice of Him who sits on the throne. It’s as we hear and respond to His voice that we find our place in the battle.
© 2020 Nathan Shaw.
Related Articles:
2020: A Year of Seismic Shifts – Nathan Shaw
It's Time for the Church to Have a Voice – Nathan Shaw
Related Book:
Back to Words for Nations