Former president and current Republican presidential nominee, Donald J. Trump, was shot four days ago at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The bullet, obviously intended to kill him, only pierced his ear.
On July 13 at 6:11 pm, several rifle rounds were fired in Trump’s direction while he was speaking to the crowd. He reached for his right ear and quickly ducked as Secret Service agents rushed to shield him with their bodies.
A minute later, after the shooter was dead, Trump defiantly pumped his fist in the air as the agents rushed him off the stage, blood splattered on his face—an image that Americans and the world will not soon forget. (View a minute-by-minute timeline of the Trump assassination attempt here.)
The day after the assassination attempt, some pastors at Sunday services across the nation credited God with sparing Trump’s life. The former president shared the same sentiment on social media. Many of Trump’s supporters see this as a sign that God wants him to be president; one even quoted Esther 4:14, saying, “Praise God your life was spared ‘For such a time as this.’”
Could it be true that God spared Trump and intends to make him president again? Before we get to that, let’s talk about the two people who lost their lives at the Butler rally.
The Spirit of the Enemy
Seconds after 20-year-old Thomas Crooks opened fire, law enforcement did its job and returned fire to protect Trump and everyone else at the event. Crooks died at the scene. What a tragic end to a young life!
But what would possess this young man to attempt to murder Trump? While a motive is yet to be established, one thing is sure: Crooks was not under the influence of God.
Jesus said that Satan’s objective is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). And when the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were plotting to kill Him, He said, “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44).
It’s hate in the hearts of humans, placed there by the enemy, that leads to murder (Matthew 5:21, 22; 1 John 3:15). Crooks will be remembered for his last selfish, hateful act. Even so, God loved him. Please pray for his family. They need it right now.
The Influence of God
Corey Comperatore was attending the Trump rally with his family. When the shots rang out, the 50-year-old dove on top of his wife and two daughters, shielding them. A bullet struck him in the head. He died a hero.
BBC reported that Allyson Comperatore wrote on Facebook of her father, “He threw my mom and I to the ground ... [and] shielded my body from the bullet that came at us.”
Only one thing can inspire such a selfless act—love, and that comes from God alone. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends” (John 15:13).
Corey’s family won’t forget his last act of love. Keep the Comperatore family in your prayers.
He Laid Down His Life
In the spring of AD 31, the Son of God hung on a cross and laid down His life for His friends (John 10:18).
Jesus died at the hands of religious and political leaders because His views were different than theirs. Though He had come to give them life (John 10:10), they considered Him a threat to their political goals and took Him out. Their short-sighted, selfish ambitions blinded them to the love of God, and they did the unthinkable (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4).
Nevertheless, “Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). That’s all of us!
Live at Peace
The apostle Paul said, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17, 18, 21).
For those of us who claim the name “Christian,” Jesus counseled, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23, 24).
In other words, it’s not acceptable for us to spew hate toward those who hold different moral or political beliefs than us. And if we make that mistake, we are obligated to make things right with anyone we’ve offended. Considering our current political environment, it would do us all much good to keep this in mind.
God’s Plans for Trump
Now, back to Trump.
If he wins the presidency, does that mean it was God’s will? Only time will tell.
Yet the book of Daniel makes it clear that it is God who has the last word on who will rule. “He removes kings and raises up kings” (Daniel 2:21). Trump is undoubtedly blessed to be alive, and as long as he is, God’s desire for him is the same as it is for the rest of us: “God our Savior … desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3, 4).
So, let’s pray for Trump and all of our leaders to have a saving relationship with Christ regardless of political affiliation. “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1–4).
And although a few make Trump out to be a prophetic figure, in no way does the Bible specifically mention him. The United States itself, on the other hand, is clearly given a prominent role in end-time prophecy.
To learn more about that, click here!
(Photo credit: AP Photo/Evan Vucci)