A Biblical Explanation of the Election of 2020 from Luke 16:8

“The sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light” (Luke 16:8).

We’re bound to lose, you know.  It’s baked in.  No matter how close we get, no matter how hard we strive to preserve what’s left of public morality and common decency in this crumbling pagan society, we’re not going to win.  And the reason for this is revealed in the quote above right from the lips of our Lord: They’re simply better at it than we are.  “Better at what?” you ask.  Navigating the world, manipulating processes, and reaching predetermined ends (recall our Lord’s trial).  The “sons of light” are either ignorant of how such things are done or live by rules that preclude behaving in such a manner.  They know that ends do not justify means and that they cannot do evil to bring about good.  The “sons of this world” have no such scruples.  But they are shrewd enough to know that their intentions must be covered.  Though their minds are darkened unto righteousness, they are “enlightened” unto evil, and so their proud and impenitent hearts are ever manufacturing new ways to craft deceitful schemes.  The sons of light simply can’t catch up, and do not wish to.  AND THIS IS WHAT IS PLAYING OUT RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES.

“So what are the sons of light to do?” you ask.  We can’t adopt their tactics, for in doing so they win in the worst way.  What then?  And here is the bad news: We shall ever lose in this world.  And I fully believe that such is our Lord’s intention.  His desire is that we look to Him, not the ballot box.  Oh, we should continue to vote, assemble, and bear witness to what a truly just society would look like—of which today’s self-(un)righteous “social justice warriors” know nothing.  But we must understand that this side of heaven, the deck is stacked against us.  In a real way, it’s proof of our divine citizenship and of the justice of our cause—as if protecting life from the cradle to the grave and religious freedom needed vindication. 

We’ve read the Book.  In this world, the sons of light lose.  We often do not understand.  We ask ourselves, “How could God let this happen?  We must always remember that the clay doesn’t talk back to the Potter; the clay finds its strength resting in the Potter’s hands.  Moreover, because we have read the Book, we also know that ultimately, the sons of light do win—AND WIN BIG!

“The sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.”  This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this happen; it won’t be the last.  I really don’t mean to trivialize this.  It’s infuriating.  But I just mean to say, look to the One who will one day right all the wrongs.  And in the meantime, let us be sure to keep our own hearts pure and always live as “sons and daughters of light.”

Author: The Reformed Baptist

My name is Stephen Taylor, ordained Baptist minister of eighteen years pastoral experience with a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Better than that, I am married to a godly woman, Karla, who has been very patient with me since 1989. I have two daughters, both of whom I homeschooled for extended periods of time, who became godly young women, and who ran off and married godly young men, all of which is very proper. The oldest daughter has even seen fit to bless me with a grandson and a granddaughter, and my youngest daughter with a grandson, all three of whom are bundles of exceeding joy. As you can see, I am quite blessed. This website is dedicated to helping people grow in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ through the gift of writing that the Lord has given to me. It is specifically about helping His people grow in godliness, the theme you see repeated above. I write devotions with this aim and hope that they might be of some help to God’s people. Full disclosure: I am of a Reformed bent, meaning that my understanding of Scripture is primarily informed by the Reformers and their successors of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. However, as a student of church history and theology, I strive to remain true to that teaching handed down once for all unto the saints through every age of the Church. I like to think of myself as a “catholic” Christian, as the Reformers thought of themselves. At any rate, feel free to read, pray, and contact me if you wish, or correct me if need be. As you can see, I tend to follow the church year. Of course, I make no special claims about these devotions. I know very well that others have written better and plumbed the depths of God’s word with greater insight. But if my musings help someone draw closer to the Lord, well then, I have my reward. Blessings to you and may the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ speak to you that word which He knows you especially need to hear. Grace & peace, Stephen Taylor

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: