My devotional thoughts today are a reprise from the archives of EDL first shared in July 2009, yet remains relevant on this anniversary of our nation’s founding. There is so much upheaval – religious, financial, social, and political – in our world today that it seems advisable to consider anew this matter of “God and Governments.” Peace must begin in the human heart before it will ever lastingly be experienced in our national lives. Blessings!
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“Are You not ruler over all . . the nations?” 2 Chronicles 20:6 NAS
Above pride of nation, be loyal as a servant and soldier of the Lord Jesus.
My thoughts and comments today are about “God and governments.”
As we celebrate our nation’s birthday and heritage, it seems an appropriate time to consider present world realities. You cannot listen to the news even a little without wondering and worrying about the things happening 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, bitter political and religious differences, growing 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, impotence of most treaties, truces, and international sanctions, as well as angry, military hostilities in too many diverse locations all combine to create concern for today and uncertainty for the days ahead. Can governments provide the 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’s 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 or history of nations. Nor do political leaders alone determine the future of nations. God does! Your informed vote in the political process is important; your faith in God and fervent prayer are yet more consequential and powerful, and more far reaching to influence the fate of nations. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV. See 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV.
God caused Israel’s oppressors to fund their exodus from captivity when Moses led them out of Egypt. Exodus 3:21. Generations later, God opened the heart of Cyrus, King of Persia, to return Israel’s captives to Jerusalem. Ezra 1:1. 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.
Here 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’s promise is to every generation is, “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 . . the passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty will guarantee this!” Isaiah 9: 6-7. Is it God, or governments? I will go with God! See Philippians 3:20.
My prayer for you is: above pride of nation, be loyal as a servant and soldier of the Lord.