God and Governments.
“Are You not Ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations?”
2 Chronicles 20:6 NAS.
My thoughts today are about, “God and Governments.”
For enduring solutions, it is imperative that we look to God more than governments. Those are not two separated matters. God is very intent on righteous government, that “His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”
Paul was clear, “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all Godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV.
As we celebrate our nation’s heritage and birthday, it seems an appropriate time to consider present world realities. You cannot listen to the news without wondering, even worrying, about disturbing news happening at home and around the globe. And what is happening?
Global politics, accusations and threats from world leaders, heads of governments strutting across the world stage with boast and bravado, growing political and religious differences, developing terrorism and brutal violence, ideological alliances and fearful attempts to balance military powers, international rivalries and jealousies, lust for power with the threat of nuclear and biological weapons, apparent impotence of most treaties, truces, and international sanctions, as well as angry, military hostilities in too many diverse locations.
All of those combine to create serious concern today and uncertainty for the near future. Can governments provide a remedy? Conflicting voices and partisan opinions tell you the solution to all of this is your vote for their candidate or political party, promising you greater security and prosperity for yourself and family. Isn’t that what every citizen wants, whatever their nationality, language, religion, economy, or governmental system? But has that ever worked yet?
Where is God in all of this? Here is what the Bible says. “He made from one man every nation . . having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation.” Acts 17:26. Ultimately, political summits do not shape the geography of countries. Nor do political leaders alone determine the future of nations. God does! “Are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.” 2 Chronicles 20:6 NAS.
Your informed vote in the political process is important. Your faith in God and fervent prayer is yet more consequential, powerful, and more far-reaching to influence the fate of nations. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV. God’s Word is true; “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV.
God caused Israel’s oppressors to fund their exodus from Egypt’s captivity. Exodus 3:21 NIV. Generations later, God opened the heart of Cyrus, King of Persia, to return Israel’s captives to Jerusalem. Ezra 1:1 NIV. In more recent history, was it the world’s nations that carved out territory and national boundaries in 1948, again returning the Jewish people to their homeland?
Or was that the hand of God, and His promise from centuries before? Job confidently declared, “God makes nations great, and He destroys them; He enlarges nations, and disperses them.” Job 12:23-25 NIV. God is not at odds with any nation whose government is not at odds with God. I think that is a truth no nation can afford to ignore.
For me, this is the sum of this matter of security and prosperity in this day and world. “I will both lie down in peace and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8. God promised to every nation and generation, “For unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder . . of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end . .” Isaiah 9: 6-7 NIV. Is it God or governments that matter? I will put my trust in God.
My prayer for you today is to be prayerful as a servant and loyal as a soldier.
EDL Communications 2020
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