The Weekly Telescope

Category: United States

  • Donald Trump’s Inauguration: A Nation Divided and a Higher Perspective

    Donald Trump’s Inauguration: A Nation Divided and a Higher Perspective

    On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking his second, non-consecutive term in office. The event was attended by political leaders, dignitaries, and supporters, while protesters and critics also made their voices heard. As America once again entrusts its highest office to Mr. Trump, one undeniable reality remains: the nation is deeply divided on a number of key issues.

    A Nation Divided

    Although President Trump secured enough votes to return to the White House, his victory did not erase the stark divisions among the American people. Political, social, and economic concerns continue to polarize citizens, each side holding firm to their perspectives. Among the most contentious issues are:

    • Immigration Policy – While some Americans support stricter border control and deportation of illegal immigrants to uphold national security and economic stability, others advocate for more compassionate immigration policies that provide pathways to citizenship for those already in the country.
    • Economic Strategies – Trump’s emphasis on tax cuts and deregulation excites free-market conservatives who believe in stimulating business growth. However, others worry that such policies disproportionately benefit the wealthy while increasing economic inequality.
    • Climate Change and Energy Policy – The debate over fossil fuels versus renewable energy remains heated. Trump’s policies favoring domestic oil and gas production appeal to industries and workers in those sectors, while environmentalists argue for stronger climate change policies to protect the planet.
    • Social Issues – Topics like abortion rights, LGBTQ+ policies, and education reforms have led to fierce cultural debates. Conservatives generally push for policies aligning with traditional values, while progressives seek greater inclusivity and personal freedoms.
    • Foreign Relations – Some Americans praise Trump’s “America First” approach, arguing that it strengthens national sovereignty. Others criticize it, asserting that it weakens global alliances and America’s standing on the world stage.

    With these divisions so deeply rooted, one may ask: Who ultimately decides the leadership of a nation?

    God’s Role in Leadership

    Scripture teaches that it is God who appoints leaders over nations. Daniel 2:21 declares, “He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings.” God establishes rulers for His purposes—sometimes as a blessing and sometimes as a means of judgment.

    When a nation obeys God’s laws, He blesses it with leaders who bring peace, prosperity, and stability. This was evident in Israel’s history when righteous kings ruled with justice and wisdom, leading the people into prosperity (2 Chronicles 31:20-21).

    Conversely, when a nation turns away from God, He allows corrupt or oppressive leaders to rise, not necessarily as an endorsement of their wickedness but as a wake-up call for repentance. Israel, for example, suffered under kings who led them into idolatry and injustice, bringing divine judgment upon the land (Judges 2:11-15).

    America, like all nations, must examine itself. If its people desire good governance, they must first seek righteousness, for no election, policy, or human leader can solve the deeper moral and spiritual crises that afflict society.

    Why Christians Should Respect and Pray for Leaders

    Regardless of who sits in the highest office, Christians are called to respect and pray for their leaders. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 13:1, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

    This does not mean Christians must endorse every decision or action of their leaders. However, it does mean they should:

    • Pray for their wisdom and guidance (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
    • Seek peace and live righteously under their governance (Jeremiah 29:7).
    • Uphold truth and justice while showing honor and respect (1 Peter 2:17).

    By doing so, believers demonstrate faith that God is ultimately in control, working all things for His divine purposes.

    The Perfect Leader Yet to Come

    As history has shown, no human leader—whether Democrat, Republican, or otherwise—will ever bring perfect peace, justice, and prosperity. Corruption, imperfection, and division will persist until Christ returns. The Bible promises that one day, Jesus Christ will establish His Kingdom on earth, where He will reign with righteousness and absolute justice (Isaiah 9:6-7).

    Unlike human leaders who rise and fall, Christ’s government will never end. He will rule with wisdom, compassion, and power, bringing the peace and unity that all nations long for.

    Until that day, believers must remain steadfast, seeking God’s righteousness, upholding His truth, and trusting in His sovereign will over the affairs of men. No matter who sits in the White House, the throne of Heaven remains occupied, and that is our greatest hope.

  • Southern California Wildfires: A History of Destruction and a Call for Reflection

    For decades, Southern California has been no stranger to wildfires. Every year, as temperatures rise and dry winds sweep across the landscape, wildfires ignite—sometimes naturally, but often due to human activity. The week of January 5 to 11, 2025, once again saw devastating wildfires raging across Los Angeles and surrounding areas, destroying homes, displacing families, and challenging the resilience of communities. This latest disaster raises important questions: What are the causes of these fires? What has the U.S. government done to prevent and mitigate them? And, ultimately, what greater lessons can we learn from these recurring tragedies?

    A History of Wildfires in Southern California

    Wildfires have been a constant presence in California’s history. Some of the most catastrophic fires include the 2018 Camp Fire, which wiped out the town of Paradise, and the 2020 August Complex Fire, the largest in California history. The state’s Mediterranean climate—marked by dry summers, wet winters, and strong Santa Ana winds—creates the perfect conditions for fires to ignite and spread.

    Historically, indigenous peoples practiced controlled burns to manage forests, but as modern infrastructure expanded, fire suppression policies led to the accumulation of dry vegetation—fuel for future fires. Urban expansion into wildfire-prone areas has further increased the risk, making each fire season more destructive than the last.

    Possible Causes of the 2025 Wildfires

    The fires of January 2025 were fueled by a combination of factors:

    • Climate Change – Rising global temperatures have intensified droughts and heatwaves, drying out forests and brush, making them more flammable.
    • Santa Ana Winds – These seasonal winds, notorious for spreading fires rapidly, reached record speeds this year.
    • Human Activity – Whether through electrical grid failures, arson, or accidental ignitions, human actions continue to play a major role in fire outbreaks.
    • Poor Forest Management – A backlog of unburned vegetation, due in part to aggressive fire suppression strategies, contributed to the severity of the fires.

    Government Response and Efforts

    The U.S. government and state authorities have taken significant steps over the years to control wildfires. Some measures include:

    • Improved Firefighting Resources – The use of aircraft, drones, and satellite technology to monitor and suppress fires.
    • Stricter Building Codes – Regulations on fire-resistant materials and defensible space requirements in fire-prone areas.
    • Forest Management Programs – Efforts to conduct controlled burns and clear out excessive vegetation.
    • Climate Action Initiatives – Policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions to mitigate long-term climate change effects.
    • Disaster Relief Programs – Federal and state financial assistance for rebuilding communities and supporting displaced families.

    Despite these efforts, wildfires continue to rage, leaving us to ponder a crucial reality: While human beings can and should do all they can to anticipate, prevent, control, and mitigate the effects of natural disasters, there are certain aspects of nature that are simply beyond our control.

    A Higher Power Governs Nature

    Whether we acknowledge it or not, it is God who ultimately controls nature. The Bible reminds us in Job 37:6-13 that God directs the weather, sending rain, wind, and storms for His purposes. While some may see wildfires as merely natural disasters, there is a deeper truth to consider. God sometimes allows calamities to strike as a means of calling humanity back to its senses—to remind us of our frailty and our need for repentance.

    The lessons we can draw from wildfires extend beyond fire science and emergency management. These disasters remind us of the fleeting nature of human achievements. They expose our vulnerabilities and force us to confront the reality that we are not in complete control of the world around us.

    Lessons to Learn: Spiritual, Secular, and Scientific

    God’s sovereignty over nature does not negate the need for human responsibility. If anything, it should encourage us to be better stewards of the earth. We can learn from these disasters in several ways:

    • Spiritual Lessons – Reflect on our actions and whether we are living in accordance with God’s will. Disasters often shake people out of complacency and lead them to seek God’s guidance.
    • Secular Lessons – Improve urban planning, enforce better land-use policies, and educate the public about fire prevention.
    • Scientific Lessons – Advance climate research, develop fire-resistant materials, and refine predictive models to anticipate future fires more accurately.

    A Painful Reminder

    The Southern California wildfires of January 2025 serve as another painful reminder of the devastating power of nature. Governments and scientists will continue to devise ways to prevent and mitigate wildfires, and that is necessary. However, we must also recognize that no matter how much effort we put in, some things remain beyond our control.

    Instead of merely seeing these fires as random disasters, we should view them as opportunities for reflection. Are we aligned with God’s will? Are we learning from past mistakes? Are we taking care of the earth as good stewards?

    God allows calamities not out of cruelty but to redirect us—to help us grow, repent, and acknowledge His authority over all creation. If we take these lessons to heart, perhaps we can emerge from the ashes stronger, wiser, and more prepared for the future, both physically and spiritually.

  • Reflecting on the Legacy of President Jimmy

    The passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter marks the end of an era. As the world reflects on his life and legacy, it is fitting to consider not only the contributions he made during his presidency but also the broader lessons his leadership offers. Carter’s tenure from 1977 to 1981 was marked by challenges and achievements, embodying the complexities of human governance.

    A Life of Service

    Jimmy Carter is remembered not only as the 39th President of the United States but also as a humanitarian and advocate for peace. During his presidency, he championed human rights, brokered the Camp David Accords, and addressed the energy crisis with a vision for a sustainable future. His post-presidency years were equally impactful, as he worked tirelessly through the Carter Center to promote democracy, combat diseases, and support global development. His humility and commitment to service inspired many.

    A Changing World

    Since Carter held office, the world has changed dramatically. The Cold War ended, technology advanced at an unprecedented pace, and globalization reshaped societies. Yet, many of the challenges Carter faced—economic instability, international conflicts, and the quest for justice—persist today. Leaders continue to grapple with these issues, striving to make decisions that balance immediate needs with long-term solutions. Carter’s legacy reminds us of the importance of integrity, vision, and compassion in leadership.

    The Limits of Human Leadership

    While human leaders often do the best they can, their efforts are inevitably constrained by the limitations of human nature and circumstances. Even the most well-intentioned policies can fall short of their goals, and no leader can fully address the deep-rooted problems of the world. Carter’s presidency, like those of other leaders, serves as a reminder of both the potential and the imperfection of human governance.

    The Promise of Christ’s Return

    As we reflect on Carter’s life and the state of the world, we are reminded of a greater hope—the return of Jesus Christ. Unlike human leaders, Christ will establish a kingdom of true peace and righteousness. His rule will not be limited by human frailty or political divisions. Isaiah 9:7 declares, “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end,” emphasizing the eternal and just nature of His reign.

    Moreover, Christ’s return will bring about the resurrection of all who have died, as promised in 1 Corinthians 15:22:

    “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.”

    This includes individuals like Jimmy Carter, who dedicated their lives to serving humanity. Under Christ’s rule, all mankind will benefit from a world free from suffering, inequality, and conflict.

    A Lasting Hope

    As we honor the memory of President Carter, we can appreciate his efforts to make the world a better place. Yet, we also look forward to a future when Christ’s perfect government will replace the imperfect systems of this world. In that day, true peace and justice will prevail, and the challenges that human leaders face will be no more.

  • The Paradox of Strength: America’s Moral Decline and Its Impact on Global Leadership

    For generations, the United States has been a beacon of global leadership, built not just on its economic and military power but also on its moral authority. Nations once looked to America as a leader because it embodied values such as justice, integrity, and human dignity. However, over the decades, the moral foundation that underpinned this leadership has been eroding.

    With the return of another Trump administration, it is essential to understand that this decline is not the product of any one administration or leader. Instead, it is the result of a long-standing cultural shift away from biblical standards. Even if a Trump administration projects strength on the surface, America’s diminishing moral authority will continue to weaken its ability to lead effectively on the global stage.

    Strength Without Moral Credibility

    During Donald Trump’s first term, his administration emphasized policies that projected American strength. Economic initiatives aimed to restore jobs to U.S. soil, trade negotiations prioritized American interests, and military budgets expanded. Many Americans celebrated these actions as efforts to “Make America Great Again.”

    However, global leadership requires more than strength. True leadership demands moral credibility—something a nation can only possess if others see it as a model worth emulating. A country that appears powerful yet lacks moral integrity is like a house built on sand: it may stand for a time, but it cannot endure.

    Decades of Moral Decline

    While Trump’s leadership style is often scrutinized, it would be shortsighted to blame him alone for America’s moral challenges. The nation’s cultural and spiritual decline has been unfolding for decades.

    The sexual revolution of the 1960s, the erosion of traditional family values, the normalization of dishonesty in public life, and the glorification of immorality in entertainment all signal a long-term drift from God’s standards. These shifts have had a cumulative effect, undermining the nation’s moral foundation and, by extension, its credibility as a global leader.

    The Bible warns of the consequences of such moral decline. Proverbs 14:34 states, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (New International Version). When a nation chooses sin over righteousness, it becomes a reproach not only to its own citizens but also to the world it seeks to influence.

    The Loss of Moral Authority

    Scripture offers numerous examples of nations that turned away from God and suffered the consequences. Consider ancient Israel under King Solomon. At the height of his reign, Israel was a global power, renowned for its wisdom and prosperity. Yet Solomon’s compromises—embracing idolatry and turning from God’s commands—led to the eventual division and weakening of the kingdom (1 Kings 11:9-11).

    The United States faces a similar risk. Deuteronomy 28:15 warns, “But if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you” (New International Version). Among the consequences outlined are instability, confusion, and a loss of respect from other nations.

    Global leadership requires more than economic strength or military dominance; it requires the respect and trust of other nations. Without a moral foundation rooted in truth and righteousness, a nation’s influence is hollow and unsustainable.

    Symptom, Not the Cause

    While a Trump administration may emphasize policies that reinforce America’s surface strength, it operates within the broader context of moral decline. Trump’s leadership style, often marked by pragmatism and divisive rhetoric, reflects rather than causes the cultural shift away from biblical principles.

    It would be unfair and inaccurate to attribute America’s moral and cultural decline solely to Trump or his administration. Isaiah 59:14 paints a picture of societal decay that resonates with modern America: “So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter” (New International Version). This verse highlights a deeper, systemic problem—one that transcends any single leader or political era.

    The Way Forward

    To restore its global leadership, America must address not just its policies but its moral foundation. Micah 6:8 offers clear guidance:

    “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (New International Version).

    Justice, mercy, and humility are not just personal virtues; they are essential qualities for a nation seeking to lead righteously.

    Repentance and a return to biblical standards are the only paths to true greatness. This requires not just individual change but a collective effort to realign the nation’s values with God’s unchanging principles.

    A Call for Reflection

    America’s challenges did not emerge overnight. The nation’s moral decline has been decades in the making, fueled by a culture that prioritizes self-gratification over obedience to God. While a Trump administration may project strength, true leadership requires moral integrity—a quality that cannot be regained without national repentance.

    Proverbs 16:12 reminds us,

    “Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness” (New International Version).

    This timeless truth is as relevant today as it was in ancient times. Whether America chooses to heed this wisdom will determine whether it remains a global leader or becomes a cautionary tale of a nation undone by its own moral failures.

    America’s future as a global leader depends not on the strength of its policies or economy but on its commitment to God’s standards. Only by returning to righteousness can it hope to regain the respect and trust of the world and fulfill its potential as a true leader among nations.