A preface to my EDL comments today – My devotional thoughts today were first shared in July 2009, yet those comments remain relevant on this anniversary of our nation’s founding. I understand that EDL is read in many nations of the world and my comments on this occasion particularly reference our national celebration of our nation’s origin, but I believe that the Word of God remains relevant and applicable to one and all. Our histories are different, but our hopes and aspirations for the safety and well-being of ourselves, families, and nation are things of common concern for people everywhere.
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. It is increasingly imperative that we look to God more than governments. “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. Blessings, Allen Randolph.
Above pride of nation, be loyal as a servant of the Lord Jesus.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34 NIV.
My thoughts and comments today are, “Of God and Governments.”
As we celebrate our nation’s birthday and religious heritage, it seems an appropriate time to consider present world realities. You cannot listen to even a little of the news 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, apparent 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. See Matthew 24:3-14 NIV.
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 17:26-27. Ultimately, political summits do not shape the geography of nations. Nor do political leaders alone determine the future of nations. God does that. Your informed voice and vote in the political process is important. Yet, your faith in God and fervent prayer is more consequential and powerful and more far reaching to influence the fate of nations. ”Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people . . The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Proverbs 14:34 NIV/James 5:16 NIV. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV.
God caused Israel’s oppressors to fund their exodus from captivity with Moses. 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. Read Psalm 33:8-22 NIV.
“Are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations?” 2 Chronicles 20:6 NAS. Here is the sum of this matter of security and prosperity in this day and world. “I will lie down and sleep in peace; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8 NIV. To every generation, God promised, “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 NKJV. Is it God or governments? I place my trust in God. See Philippians 3:20-21 NIV.
Today, I pray for you that above pride of nation, you are loyal as a servant of Jesus Christ.
Christian Communications 2017
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