Dictators And Wannabes
In every generation, God calls His people to stay awake, stay discerning, and stay faithful. What follows is a reflection on history, power, deception, and the unshakable hope we have in God.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” — George Santayana
History has shown us how easily nations can be led into darkness when people place their trust in leaders who crave power above all else. Hitler promised to “make Germany great again,” and in one sense he did—Germany became powerful, but at the cost of millions of lives. Under a dictator, obedience is demanded, opposition is crushed, and even private conversations become dangerous. The only law that matters is the dictator’s law.
Putin is a dictator. He has openly said that the only law in Russia is “Putin’s law.”
President Donald Trump has long shown the traits of a dictator‑in‑waiting. His words and actions reveal it plainly to anyone willing to look. During the presidential debates, he said he saw nothing wrong with using torture. He praises dictators because he admires the control they have over their people. After meeting Kim Jong‑un, Trump said in a Fox News interview: “He speaks and his people sit up at attention. I want my people to do the same.”
He desires praise. He desires loyalty. He desires power.
After he was elected, he immediately began campaigning for 2020. I watched one of those rallies. It was staged like a spectacle—Air Force One landing, Trump descending the stairs, and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” playing as the words rang out: “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.” The implication was unmistakable.
He demands harsh punishment for those who oppose him, yet offers leniency to those he favors—even when they have been convicted of crimes. He calls the news media “enemies of the people” because they report things he dislikes. He requires loyalty pledges and confidentiality agreements from those around him. These are not the actions of a humble public servant. They are the actions of a man who envies dictators and seeks to imitate them—perhaps with Putin’s help.
We are living in dangerous times. Every U.S. national security agency agreed that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump. Putin himself has said he wanted Trump to win. When Trump meets privately with Putin, no other Americans are allowed in the room. We do not know what is discussed.
If Trump succeeds in undermining our Constitution, nothing will remain to prevent him from becoming a dictator. And if that happens, I fear that Putin—who has already shown his ability to manipulate weaker leaders—could eventually dominate the United States. Dictators often take control of one another’s domains by offering greater rewards to the people or by infiltrating the system from within. If that were to happen, Putin could gain influence over the entire world.
This is a bleak picture, I know. But there is hope for those who continue to trust in God the Father and in Yeshua/Jesus. Throughout the New Testament, we are encouraged to remain faithful during times of trouble. Even when it appears that there is no hope, no justice, and no sign of God’s presence, those who persist in believing will be blessed.
Scripture Reflections
The book of Revelation is difficult to understand, and I believe God intended it that way—so that even Satan cannot fully grasp God’s plan. Satan has always used pieces of God’s truth to deceive. In Genesis 3, he told Adam and Eve, “Surely you won’t die… you will be like God.”
In Matthew 4, he tempted Jesus by twisting Scripture and finally offering Him the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would bow down and worship him.
Matthew 4:8–10 (LEB)
8 Again the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory,
9 and he said to him, “I will give to you all these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan, for it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”
But Revelation assures us that God Himself will act on behalf of His people.
Revelation 20:8–9 (LEB)
8 …Satan will go out to deceive the nations… to assemble them for battle…
9 They went up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints… and fire came down from heaven and consumed them.
Closing Prayer
Father God, in these uncertain and troubling times, strengthen our hearts and steady our faith. Keep our eyes fixed on You, the One who rules over every nation and every generation. Protect Your people, guide us in truth, and give us courage to stand firm. We trust in Your power, Your justice, and Your unfailing love. In the name of Yeshua Jesus, Amen.
