A Nation Underwood

Francis Underwood is the fictional president of the United States of America in the American political drama House of Cards. It is based on Michael Dobbs’ 1989 novel of that name. A British TV version came out in 1990 in which Francis Urquhart, an old aristocrat, manipulates and kills his way to power from Chief Whip to PM. Francis Underwood, his American equivalent comes from the deep South and ascends from House Whip, to Vice President to POTUS itself. Both are wicked, amoral men, thinking nothing of killing and lying to obtain and then keep power. Underwood, and then his even more chillingly dark wife, manipulate elections and causes a great fear of terrorism in order to retain the chair in the Oval Office.

Both are fictional characters; one might argue they are two transatlantic sides of Dobbs’ coin. Yet there is an interesting scene when Underwood goes to church one evening, accompanied by none but his Secret Service detail who stand at a respectful distance. He believes in God, yet despises Him. In that church scene, a large crucifix falls down upon him, nearly killing him, breaking into pieces on the floor.

Real rulers the world often ignore and disdain their King. Whether they acknowledge it or not, He is the Lord of lords, and will hold each of them to account. Some pay lip service, and others genuinely try to govern according to His precepts, but most do not. Those to whom providence has entrusted power over others will one day be asked to justify its use. Both Underwood and Urquhart were themselves killed, summoned to an eternity they proudly defied. So with every prince, king, emperor, prime minister, president. The apostle urges our prayers for them, that we might live peaceable lives. Rather boldly, I might add we should pray for them for the terrifying tribunal before which they shall especially appear.

And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment. 2 Chron. 19:6