Above pride of nation, serve as a servant and soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34 NIV.
My thoughts today are about,
“God and Governments.”
Today’s devotional comes from the archives of EDL first shared in July 2009. This reminder continues to be pertinent on this anniversary of our nation’s founding. There is so much upheaval – religious, financial, social, and especially political – in our world today that it seems advisable to consider anew this matter of God and Governments. Peace begins in the human heart before it will ever lastingly be experienced in our national life.
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As we celebrate our nation’s founding and heritage, it seems appropriate to consider present world realities. 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, sociopolitical alliances, and fearful attempts to balance military powers, international rivalries, amid rooted distrust.
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 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? 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 history or geography of nations. God does! And your informed vote in the political process is fundamental.
Even more so, your faith in God and fervent prayer are yet more consequential, powerful, and far reaching to influence the fate of nations. The Bible is forthright, ”If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV.
When Moses led Israel out of Egypt, God caused Israel’s oppressors to fund their exodus from captivity. Generations later, God again opened the heart of Cyrus, King of Persia, to return Israel’s captives to Jerusalem. Ezra 1:1. Job was confident, “God makes nations great, and He destroys them; He enlarges nations, and disperses them.” Job 12:23-25 NIV.
In more recent history, was it the world’s nations that carved out territory and national boundaries for Israel in 1948, again returning the Jewish people to their homeland? Or was that the hand of God, and His promise from centuries before?
Here is the sum of this matter of security and prosperity in this day and world. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34 NIV. Is it God? Or governments? My answer is, “God!” “Our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:20 NIV.
My prayer for you today is to be a loyal servant and soldier of the Lord Jesus.
EDL Communications 2021
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