GOVERNMENT

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the GOVERNMENT will be upon His shoulder… – Isaiah 9:6a

GOD instituted GOVERNMENT for the good humanity and for His Glory! It is His Order and Ordinance. All human authorities ultimately derive legitimacy from Him. He created Man to govern the earth as He governs the heavens: “The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; but the earth He has given to the children of men” (Psa.115:16). Adam and Eve were created and mandated to “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; HAVE DOMINION…” (Gen.1:28). All of human history has shown that God abhors anarchy, and humanity needs to be governed. Here are five Bible truths:

Governments, though imperfect, are ordained by God: “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men’ (Dan.4:17b). Jesus answered Pilate: “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above” (Jh. 19:11a). Romans 13: 1-4 says: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves…For he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” How different things would be if those in government also realise that they are God’s ministers!

We should honour and submit to those who govern us: “And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at Him” (Mk. 12:17). Peter wrote: “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men – as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice…Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king (1 Pet. 2:13-17).

God sometimes uses ungodly governments to do His will: “Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Because you have not heard My words, behold, I will send and take all the families of the north,’ says the Lord, ‘and Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land, against its inhabitants, and against these nations all around…” (Jer.25:8-9). God allowed “both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever” His hand and His plan had predestined to happen against His anointed one (Acts 4:27-28).

We should pray for those who govern us: “Therefore 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” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

All human governments will eventually end and Jesus will reign supreme: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder…Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to ORDER it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” (Isa.9: 6-7). “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war….And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev. 19:11, 15-16). Even now, He remains the “Governor among the nations” (Psa. 22;28)!

What’s your attitude to human Government? Beloved, let us maintain a heavenly perspective to earthly authorities as we ponder and act in wisdom!