A little more than 100 miles north and east of Richmond, Virginia is the capital of this great nation, Washington D.C. A significant percentage of the most influential people in the world work in D.C. So much has happened in this city that has affected the shape of our world. It is truly a uniquely powerful place.
Recently, a song was released about the feelings that everyday Americans have toward those who inhabit the various halls of power in our nation's capital city. A young man with a small YouTube channel struck Virginia gold (is there such a thing?) with his independent track he calls, "Rich Men North of Richmond". Oliver Anthony is his name. His sound is kind of outlaw country. I'd say a little bluesy. And his lyrics have struck a nerve. Mostly because they are true and regular folks know it.
You see, Oliver is a regular guy. He has regular problems and isn't embarrassed to talk about them. He's had a regular job and lives in a regular home, just like most of us. He doesn't seem to have aspirations to be anything but regular. Apparently he just turned down an 8 million dollar contract with a production label just so he can continue to be free to write and sing the songs he wants without having some politically correct fat cat pulling his strings. If this is true, the man is to be commended. He isn't a sellout. What's more, he has a habit of reading Scripture in public prior to performing his songs. I respect him and applaud him for all of these things.
But I am concerned for this man. His simplicity and purity will be attacked by the evil one. I wonder if he is ready? I wonder if he has a genuine faith in Jesus? And, if he does, I wonder how strong his faith is and how well he knows our Lord? Does he have a church family and pastors who can shepherd and shield him? I pray that he can weather the coming storm. I have prayed for him a number of times since I heard his song and his story. We've seen from afar what terrible power can be wielded by those who promise fame. I pray that he isn't caught up by it. I pray that he remains humble and remembers who it is who has given him the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).
I pray, not only for Mr. Anthony, but for all those who enjoy his music as his lyrics have struck a chord with them. I wish to God that they would look to the true hope, Jesus Christ, rather than just embracing an ear-tickling anthem to get drunk and rowdy to. I pray that they come to terms with the fact that our sovereign God, and not those who walk the halls of Congress or take up residence in the White House, is in control.
Its undeniable to anyone with eyes to see, the rich men north of Richmond are indeed striving for the total control of the lives of the citizenry. Why? Because they are of their father, the devil. Dear reader, regardless of your perception, this is far more than a political war that we can vote our way out of or one that can be fought and won in the court of public opinion with catchy anthems or tear-jerking lyrics. This war is, on every level, a spiritual war.
But I've got news for anyone who cares to listen, Jesus Christ is King! He reigns. Right now He reigns! The things that are happening are not happening apart from His reign, but under it and according to it. And be assured of this...time is short for the evildoer. He must turn from his evil ways while he can and turn to God in repentance. And he must do it soon. "Be assured, an evil person will not go unpunished" (Proverbs 11:21).
I leave you with these sobering words from Isaiah 10:1-4 - "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and orphans their plunder. What will you do on the day of reckoning when devastation comes from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth? Nothing will remain but to crouch among the captives or fall among the slain."
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