Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
Psalm 146:3
Sometimes, the most straightforward verses teach us the most. When God wrote Scripture, He did not write it so that we would spend countless hours trying to discover its hidden meaning. It isn’t like an Easter egg hunt where you try to find the “money egg” or the “golden egg.” God gave us Scripture to lead us and guide us into truth, and the sole purpose of Scripture is to eventually introduce us to a Savior who completely and forever changes our lives through salvation.
A question for you today…If I looked at your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account, would I find it filled with political articles and memes that support your favorite political candidate, or would I find God-honoring and uplifting discussions and thoughts? Do you have a misplaced trust in your favorite political party and its leaders? We are nearing another political season, and it will undoubtedly always be a “hot button” issue.
Put not your trust in princes
I see it and read about it every day. Whether local officials, governors, or national leaders, we place way too much confidence and trust in their ability to do things that, in the long run, really don’t matter. I guess that’s the first question we must ask ourselves. What matters? If God’s purpose for us through Scripture is to come to a knowledge and saving faith in Jesus, then our unwavering trust in other leaders is at least somewhat misplaced. I don’t know any superintendent, mayor, governor, representative, senator, or president who can cause the kind of change that Jesus can make in our lives, country, and world. While these men and women may be smart, intuitive, forward-thinking, and charismatic, they should not be our primary concern. They really shouldn’t even be our secondary concern.
Paul instructs us to pray for our leaders in 1 Timothy 2:1-3, which is no mistake. Our leaders need our prayers, but they also need Jesus, and this should be our primary prayer for them. Have you prayed for your leaders? If you’re wondering how you can pray for your leaders, pray that they know Jesus and live for Him each day. But don’t worship them or place them in ultimate authority in your minds. And whether they realize it or not, they may be like many who search for a Savior and don’t even know it. Maybe God will use you to bring them to faith in Jesus?
Leaders fail because they are human, and we cannot expect them to be perfect or make perfect decisions. But regardless of our political persuasion, we can pray for them.
Princes can’t get us to heaven
This is the real meaning behind this passage. The Lord wants us to understand that our most important relationship should be with Him and not them. Does that make sense? Political and civic leaders come and go, but Jesus was, is, and always will be (Revelation 1:8). The Psalmist says that there is no salvation in men. They may have good ideas, but they can’t get us to heaven. They may clean up a town, but they can’t get us to heaven. They may have the best ideas on social reform, but they can’t get us to heaven. They may have the best approaches to change traffic patterns in a city to get you home quicker after work, but they cannot get you to heaven. There is only one way to heaven, and that is by placing your faith in what Jesus did on the cross for you (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).
Civic leaders and politicians perform an essential function, but Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for our eternity (Acts 4:12). I think Jesus wins.
So, where does this leave us? This timeless verse should help us understand that we cannot find our joy in princes and presidents. It is not found in civic leaders or superintendents. Jesus provides this when we love and serve Him. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He will never let you down and is faithful to all His promises (Psalm 145:13).
I think it’s clear. Will you trust Jesus today and allow Him to provide the joy in your life?