The Government is on His shoulders!
By Earl Jackson
Proverbs 8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
It is only the crassest humanism that boasts that government is "by the people and for the people". Christianity does not affirm this at all. In fact, Christianity is diametrically opposed to this pagan idea. The Divine person whom we worship and bow down to as Christians goes by the name "KING OF KINGS"! Have you never read that name or heard of Him? Do you call yourself a Christian and yet not know the identity of your Lord and Savior?
Rev. 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Rev. 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
The Biblical concept that He is the "prince of all rulers" (Rev 1:5) was prophetically announced throughout the Scriptures. It is on your Saviors shoulders that all government sits. He is The Lord of all Kings and the God of all gods.
Psa. 72:11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
Isa. 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
Prov. 8:15-16 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
Dan. 2:47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings.
Paul calls Him the one and only Potentate!
1Tim. 6:15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.
"Only Potentate" means that Christ is the only ruler who actually rules! All other rulers derive their authority exclusively from Him, and only by His Sovereign appointment and decree. When Christ says "By Me kings reign" He is affirming that they do so by His special appointment and solely by His Divine prerogative. His Sovereign discretion and decree supersedes all ballot boxes and polling places. It is not a mere permission which allows kings and governors to assume their position of rule. Nor is it by the vote of the ballot box that they come to power. Human government in all its agencies, all its offices, all its divisions, all its laws, all its taxes and ordinances comes exclusively from God. God ordains and appoints all rulers, both good and bad.
Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Whoever resists these powers (that are thus God ordained) shows that he or she is not a Christian at all but is in fact an anarchist who is doomed to hell because he shows that he actually resists God. When you resist what God has ordained, you are resisting the God who ordained it! Anarchy is always a form of unbelief. Anarchy and rebellion against authority is the spirit of antichrist.
Rom 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
God puts people in their respective governmental offices and posts, whether senator, governor, president or king, because they act as ministers of God, benevolent forces for good and not terror in society. They stem the tide of evil, keeping men from becoming a lawless cesspool of depraved human iniquity. They exist to enforce the order and civility of God Himself. Even the worst of them (like Hitler and Nero) serve a purpose in the government of God upon this earth. This is why Jesus and Paul never resisted the rulers. They recognized from whence their authority came. And they honored and obeyed them.
Rom 13:3-4 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
We are always required as Christians to submit to the authority of whatever government is over us. This extends and applies in all circumstances and even if their taxes and policies are unfair and eventually enslave us. If you were born in a communistic country or under a dictator's regime, the same truth would apply. The principles of operation do not change just because you are not living in the land of the free and the home of the brave. If Nero or Hitler were your ruler the same truth would apply, and your submission to the governmental authority which is over you, is still mandatory if you are a follower of Jesus Christ.
Rom 13:5-7 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
This might not be politically correct. This may not agree with your way of thinking, or your sense of right and wrong. This may seem very wrong to you. It might even imply that freedom is not one of your "inalienable rights" as you have been falsely led to believe. But who cares? You clearly need to change your way of thinking and acting if that is the case. If your Lord is Christ, then you will do what He says, and you will not follow the humanistic freedom worshipers. Instead you will gladly take upon yourself whatever yoke He calls you to bear and you will serve Him and Him alone, wherever He has placed you. You are a citizen of the heavenly realm (Phil. 3:20), and not the earthly. When He commands you to "honor the king" (1Pet. 2:17); even if it went so far in removing your precious freedoms as to constitute you an actual slave; you are still commanded to honor your masters, for the reason that this honors your God. Look.
1Tim 6:1 Let all who are under a yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.
It is noteworthy what Paul goes on to say, (in order to remind us of the transitory nature of this whole earthly system in which we live), that governments should never remove your contentment, and if they do, the problem is with you, and not with them.
1Tim 6:6-8 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
This he is saying to absolute slaves! But he is also saying it to us, we who live in the bloated luxury of 21st century America. Instead of discontent, Christians are to be people of true contentment. Instead of marching and picketing for causes of unrest and discontent, we are to be champions of trusting in the Lord, and over-comers who lean exclusively on His word. Don't worry about ousting the incumbent and defaming his character. Ask yourself why has God put Him there, and what can you do to better honor Him, and thus honor God? What can you do to support Him and embrace his policies and programs as your king on earth, whom you honor as a duly appointed representative of your King in Heaven?
Why is it that these so called right winged evangelicals are not preaching this? Is it because they have never read the Bible which they are so fond of touting? Is it because it condemns their stump speeches, which foists their favorite candidate or favorite agenda on the people? Is it because they really don't believe the Bible that they hold up so high when they are preaching their false gospel of Americanism? If they believed it, then wouldn't they do what it says? If they believed it, they would say what it actually says, and not what they want to make it appear to say.
How is it "honoring the king" to always be criticizing him? disparaging him? resisting his plans in congress? and speaking evil of him and his social programs, which are for the good of society, and which are perpetrated by God Himself through them? If the king is so bad? If the king is a terrible tyrant? Then show me what verse you have found in your Bible that says you should oust him? Show me one verse that says you should be a so-called "Christian activist"? Show me a verse that says you should be endorsing anybody other than Jesus Christ? If God put the president in office, then who are you to oppose and resist the God ordained ruler? Even Jesus did not act so proudly as to call legions of angels to deliver him from the hand of the ruler. Yet you think to marshal legions of tea people, or republicrats or demicans to destroy what God has wrought? Who do you think that you are? And how do you imagine that this is anything like the loving, humble, peaceable, obedient and contented soul that God commands every Christian to be? Produce even one verse which says that Christians should be concerned at all about any of the politics of this world? I can show you many verses which show that involvement with the world is enmity-ship against God. Loving the things of this world, creates a lack of Love for the things of God. If your treasures are on earth in Washington, then how can they be in heaven? Why waste your time with that stuff?
Consider the following verses and tell me how they stack up with your view of Christians toward government?
Exo 22:28 You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
Jdg 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Hos 8:3-4 Israel has spurned the good; the enemy shall pursue him. They made kings, but not through me. They set up princes, but I knew it not. With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction.
Jude 1:8 Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones.
You hold to the false notion that government is "by the people and for the people" and this causes you to imagine that those in authority serve you, and are appointed by you. This is the great American delusion. But this is also a great lie, designed to keep you from honoring God, and recognizing His Sovereignty over all things. Government officials are "ministers of God" (Rom 13: 1-6) and are not servants of the people. They are doing God's work, and they may not even realize it or acknowledge Him. That's what the Bible says. God knows more about the politics of nations than even the leaders and figures who run the nations! Forget about the delusions you have about your "inalienable rights", and think about the inalienable rights of the universal Potentate, The King of all Kings! It is His right which takes precedence over all other rights. He rules among all the kingdoms of men. If you are a believer this should make you worship, not make you to join a boycott, or march in a picket line, or become active in a political movement or party. Christians are supposed to worship when God moves kings and nations for His own wonderful purposes!
Psa 97:1 The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
Psa 93:1 The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.
Psa 96:10-11 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
Psa 103:19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
Psa 47:2 For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
Dan 4:25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
Dan 4:34-35 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Eph 1:21-22 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Php 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1Pet. 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
No matter how you slice it, it is a completely false system of theology which seeks to remove the rule of Christ over all things from Him. This in fact is not Theology at all. It is rebellion and unbelief. Christ rules, and He has done so throughout all generations and throughout all human history. If that were not the case, humanity would be reduced to a seething pot of human depravity, a cesspool of vile iniquity and anarchy. But we see that throughout history, and even in the most godless of societies, order is maintained and social good is furthered through the governments which God has ordained and maintained. By Him the kings reign, and the government is actually upon His shoulders. Who are you to question this or doubt it for one second? The Bible clearly says it over and over again, and Christians are required to believe it and submit to it, whether they like it or agree with it or not. Kicking against the pricks and knocking against the plain truth is never the position of saints. That is the position of devils and demons. Christians recognize, acknowledge and love the things that God says about Himself and about His governance of the world order.
Jer 27:5 I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.
Dan 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Have you never read what God said to His prophet Samuel in the days of Saul?
1Sa 9:17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
1Sa 16:1 And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
How about what He said about David and Solomon? Have you never read that?
1Ch 28:4-6 Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel: And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.
That doesn't sound very democratic does it? Does it sound like God makes His Sovereign decisions based upon popular opinion, or the voting box of the people, or polls of public opinion? Plainly those concepts are foreign to the Biblical view of government. God removes kings and God sets up kings (Dan 2:21), and this is the way it has always been. How is it then that you imagine God to be an American? or God to be a Democrat or a Republican? God is none of those things, and God does not endorse or need any of them. This is what the Bible says, and this is exactly what all the faithful evangelicals should dutifully proclaim. We dishonor God if we make Him an American. He has made America in deed, but He is not an American, and this is not a Christian nation. There are no Christian nations. All the governments of the world deny God, including America, But God does not destroy them, because he has believers, and believers to be in them.
Psa 2:2-3 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
But that never negates the clear duty of all citizens of any land.
Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Sadly this message has been silenced in our day, and it is because the so-called conservatives, the Bible thumpers and right wing activists, are actually liberals in disguise, who are spreading their own agendas, and are disregarding the God whom they claim to serve. They quote the Bible only when it suits them and only when it will garner votes for their particular candidate or their political cause. They willfully ignore the verses which command them to be contented, obedient people who pray for all those in authority. They would rather march and picket and boycott rather than obey God. These actions and attitudes slander the very Lord whom they claim to serve. God is not honored when people put causes and candidates above the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul gave Timothy some pretty explicit commands regarding what He was to do. Timothy was not supposed to be a leader of insurrection or an advocate in political causes. Instead, look at what he was told to do.
Tit 3:1-2 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
This is exactly the sort of thing that Jesus had in mind when he taught us about our relationship to Caesar and God. Keep in mind that Caesar was a tyrannical emperor. Nevertheless Christ lays down a simple rule about our stance toward him.
Matt 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
It is crystal clear then what is the will of God for Christians in these matters. Every Christian needs to study this passage carefully and submit to it's precepts for this is said to be the will of God for us.
t2:13-21 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.
A great narrative is recorded in Jeremiah 27 when the false prophets were telling the people to resist the king of Babylon, and not to serve him. Jeremiah, the true prophet of God, however, told them something entirely different. It was entirely different, because it was absolutely true, and not a lie. Look what He told them.
Jer 27:17 Hearken not unto them (the false prophets); serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city be laid waste?
Jeremiah held nothing back. He told the people that they were in fact supposed to serve a tyrant king in order that they might live. That was God's will, Gods plan, and God's judgement on that nation. So be it. Nations and governments are in the hands of the Lord, and the government is upon His shoulders. God often uses pagan tyrants and godless kings to judge the nation, and thus to further His purposes.
Remember the words which Christ spoke to the governor Pilate right before he was executed under Pilates favorite form capital punishment.
John 19:10-11 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above.
Christ clearly recognized the true source of all governance and human authority. All power is granted from the God who holds all power within His own grasp. This fact is crystal clear and certain in the Bible. Don't ever doubt it...
Psa 97:1 The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice!
It is only the crassest humanism that boasts that government is "by the people and for the people". Christianity does not affirm this at all. In fact, Christianity is diametrically opposed to this pagan idea. The Divine person whom we worship and bow down to as Christians goes by the name "KING OF KINGS"! Have you never read that name or heard of Him? Do you call yourself a Christian and yet not know the identity of your Lord and Savior?
Rev. 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Rev. 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
The Biblical concept that He is the "prince of all rulers" (Rev 1:5) was prophetically announced throughout the Scriptures. It is on your Saviors shoulders that all government sits. He is The Lord of all Kings and the God of all gods.
Psa. 72:11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
Isa. 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
Prov. 8:15-16 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
Dan. 2:47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings.
Paul calls Him the one and only Potentate!
1Tim. 6:15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.
"Only Potentate" means that Christ is the only ruler who actually rules! All other rulers derive their authority exclusively from Him, and only by His Sovereign appointment and decree. When Christ says "By Me kings reign" He is affirming that they do so by His special appointment and solely by His Divine prerogative. His Sovereign discretion and decree supersedes all ballot boxes and polling places. It is not a mere permission which allows kings and governors to assume their position of rule. Nor is it by the vote of the ballot box that they come to power. Human government in all its agencies, all its offices, all its divisions, all its laws, all its taxes and ordinances comes exclusively from God. God ordains and appoints all rulers, both good and bad.
Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Whoever resists these powers (that are thus God ordained) shows that he or she is not a Christian at all but is in fact an anarchist who is doomed to hell because he shows that he actually resists God. When you resist what God has ordained, you are resisting the God who ordained it! Anarchy is always a form of unbelief. Anarchy and rebellion against authority is the spirit of antichrist.
Rom 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
God puts people in their respective governmental offices and posts, whether senator, governor, president or king, because they act as ministers of God, benevolent forces for good and not terror in society. They stem the tide of evil, keeping men from becoming a lawless cesspool of depraved human iniquity. They exist to enforce the order and civility of God Himself. Even the worst of them (like Hitler and Nero) serve a purpose in the government of God upon this earth. This is why Jesus and Paul never resisted the rulers. They recognized from whence their authority came. And they honored and obeyed them.
Rom 13:3-4 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
We are always required as Christians to submit to the authority of whatever government is over us. This extends and applies in all circumstances and even if their taxes and policies are unfair and eventually enslave us. If you were born in a communistic country or under a dictator's regime, the same truth would apply. The principles of operation do not change just because you are not living in the land of the free and the home of the brave. If Nero or Hitler were your ruler the same truth would apply, and your submission to the governmental authority which is over you, is still mandatory if you are a follower of Jesus Christ.
Rom 13:5-7 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
This might not be politically correct. This may not agree with your way of thinking, or your sense of right and wrong. This may seem very wrong to you. It might even imply that freedom is not one of your "inalienable rights" as you have been falsely led to believe. But who cares? You clearly need to change your way of thinking and acting if that is the case. If your Lord is Christ, then you will do what He says, and you will not follow the humanistic freedom worshipers. Instead you will gladly take upon yourself whatever yoke He calls you to bear and you will serve Him and Him alone, wherever He has placed you. You are a citizen of the heavenly realm (Phil. 3:20), and not the earthly. When He commands you to "honor the king" (1Pet. 2:17); even if it went so far in removing your precious freedoms as to constitute you an actual slave; you are still commanded to honor your masters, for the reason that this honors your God. Look.
1Tim 6:1 Let all who are under a yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.
It is noteworthy what Paul goes on to say, (in order to remind us of the transitory nature of this whole earthly system in which we live), that governments should never remove your contentment, and if they do, the problem is with you, and not with them.
1Tim 6:6-8 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
This he is saying to absolute slaves! But he is also saying it to us, we who live in the bloated luxury of 21st century America. Instead of discontent, Christians are to be people of true contentment. Instead of marching and picketing for causes of unrest and discontent, we are to be champions of trusting in the Lord, and over-comers who lean exclusively on His word. Don't worry about ousting the incumbent and defaming his character. Ask yourself why has God put Him there, and what can you do to better honor Him, and thus honor God? What can you do to support Him and embrace his policies and programs as your king on earth, whom you honor as a duly appointed representative of your King in Heaven?
Why is it that these so called right winged evangelicals are not preaching this? Is it because they have never read the Bible which they are so fond of touting? Is it because it condemns their stump speeches, which foists their favorite candidate or favorite agenda on the people? Is it because they really don't believe the Bible that they hold up so high when they are preaching their false gospel of Americanism? If they believed it, then wouldn't they do what it says? If they believed it, they would say what it actually says, and not what they want to make it appear to say.
How is it "honoring the king" to always be criticizing him? disparaging him? resisting his plans in congress? and speaking evil of him and his social programs, which are for the good of society, and which are perpetrated by God Himself through them? If the king is so bad? If the king is a terrible tyrant? Then show me what verse you have found in your Bible that says you should oust him? Show me one verse that says you should be a so-called "Christian activist"? Show me a verse that says you should be endorsing anybody other than Jesus Christ? If God put the president in office, then who are you to oppose and resist the God ordained ruler? Even Jesus did not act so proudly as to call legions of angels to deliver him from the hand of the ruler. Yet you think to marshal legions of tea people, or republicrats or demicans to destroy what God has wrought? Who do you think that you are? And how do you imagine that this is anything like the loving, humble, peaceable, obedient and contented soul that God commands every Christian to be? Produce even one verse which says that Christians should be concerned at all about any of the politics of this world? I can show you many verses which show that involvement with the world is enmity-ship against God. Loving the things of this world, creates a lack of Love for the things of God. If your treasures are on earth in Washington, then how can they be in heaven? Why waste your time with that stuff?
Consider the following verses and tell me how they stack up with your view of Christians toward government?
Exo 22:28 You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
Jdg 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Hos 8:3-4 Israel has spurned the good; the enemy shall pursue him. They made kings, but not through me. They set up princes, but I knew it not. With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction.
Jude 1:8 Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones.
You hold to the false notion that government is "by the people and for the people" and this causes you to imagine that those in authority serve you, and are appointed by you. This is the great American delusion. But this is also a great lie, designed to keep you from honoring God, and recognizing His Sovereignty over all things. Government officials are "ministers of God" (Rom 13: 1-6) and are not servants of the people. They are doing God's work, and they may not even realize it or acknowledge Him. That's what the Bible says. God knows more about the politics of nations than even the leaders and figures who run the nations! Forget about the delusions you have about your "inalienable rights", and think about the inalienable rights of the universal Potentate, The King of all Kings! It is His right which takes precedence over all other rights. He rules among all the kingdoms of men. If you are a believer this should make you worship, not make you to join a boycott, or march in a picket line, or become active in a political movement or party. Christians are supposed to worship when God moves kings and nations for His own wonderful purposes!
Psa 97:1 The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
Psa 93:1 The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.
Psa 96:10-11 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
Psa 103:19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
Psa 47:2 For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
Dan 4:25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
Dan 4:34-35 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
Eph 1:21-22 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Php 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1Pet. 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
No matter how you slice it, it is a completely false system of theology which seeks to remove the rule of Christ over all things from Him. This in fact is not Theology at all. It is rebellion and unbelief. Christ rules, and He has done so throughout all generations and throughout all human history. If that were not the case, humanity would be reduced to a seething pot of human depravity, a cesspool of vile iniquity and anarchy. But we see that throughout history, and even in the most godless of societies, order is maintained and social good is furthered through the governments which God has ordained and maintained. By Him the kings reign, and the government is actually upon His shoulders. Who are you to question this or doubt it for one second? The Bible clearly says it over and over again, and Christians are required to believe it and submit to it, whether they like it or agree with it or not. Kicking against the pricks and knocking against the plain truth is never the position of saints. That is the position of devils and demons. Christians recognize, acknowledge and love the things that God says about Himself and about His governance of the world order.
Jer 27:5 I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.
Dan 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Have you never read what God said to His prophet Samuel in the days of Saul?
1Sa 9:17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
1Sa 16:1 And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
How about what He said about David and Solomon? Have you never read that?
1Ch 28:4-6 Howbeit the LORD God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me to make me king over all Israel: And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father.
That doesn't sound very democratic does it? Does it sound like God makes His Sovereign decisions based upon popular opinion, or the voting box of the people, or polls of public opinion? Plainly those concepts are foreign to the Biblical view of government. God removes kings and God sets up kings (Dan 2:21), and this is the way it has always been. How is it then that you imagine God to be an American? or God to be a Democrat or a Republican? God is none of those things, and God does not endorse or need any of them. This is what the Bible says, and this is exactly what all the faithful evangelicals should dutifully proclaim. We dishonor God if we make Him an American. He has made America in deed, but He is not an American, and this is not a Christian nation. There are no Christian nations. All the governments of the world deny God, including America, But God does not destroy them, because he has believers, and believers to be in them.
Psa 2:2-3 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
But that never negates the clear duty of all citizens of any land.
Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Sadly this message has been silenced in our day, and it is because the so-called conservatives, the Bible thumpers and right wing activists, are actually liberals in disguise, who are spreading their own agendas, and are disregarding the God whom they claim to serve. They quote the Bible only when it suits them and only when it will garner votes for their particular candidate or their political cause. They willfully ignore the verses which command them to be contented, obedient people who pray for all those in authority. They would rather march and picket and boycott rather than obey God. These actions and attitudes slander the very Lord whom they claim to serve. God is not honored when people put causes and candidates above the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul gave Timothy some pretty explicit commands regarding what He was to do. Timothy was not supposed to be a leader of insurrection or an advocate in political causes. Instead, look at what he was told to do.
Tit 3:1-2 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
This is exactly the sort of thing that Jesus had in mind when he taught us about our relationship to Caesar and God. Keep in mind that Caesar was a tyrannical emperor. Nevertheless Christ lays down a simple rule about our stance toward him.
Matt 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
It is crystal clear then what is the will of God for Christians in these matters. Every Christian needs to study this passage carefully and submit to it's precepts for this is said to be the will of God for us.
t2:13-21 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.
A great narrative is recorded in Jeremiah 27 when the false prophets were telling the people to resist the king of Babylon, and not to serve him. Jeremiah, the true prophet of God, however, told them something entirely different. It was entirely different, because it was absolutely true, and not a lie. Look what He told them.
Jer 27:17 Hearken not unto them (the false prophets); serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city be laid waste?
Jeremiah held nothing back. He told the people that they were in fact supposed to serve a tyrant king in order that they might live. That was God's will, Gods plan, and God's judgement on that nation. So be it. Nations and governments are in the hands of the Lord, and the government is upon His shoulders. God often uses pagan tyrants and godless kings to judge the nation, and thus to further His purposes.
Remember the words which Christ spoke to the governor Pilate right before he was executed under Pilates favorite form capital punishment.
John 19:10-11 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above.
Christ clearly recognized the true source of all governance and human authority. All power is granted from the God who holds all power within His own grasp. This fact is crystal clear and certain in the Bible. Don't ever doubt it...
Psa 97:1 The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice!
©2011 E H Jackson
This article may be freely reproduced on websites and in blogs with a direct link from the article back to this website. It may not be republished in any other form without written permission. It may not be used in any way where a price is charged or money is required to obtain it. This is sent forth freely for all of God's people, without charge. This copyright notice must appear on any use of this article.
This article may be freely reproduced on websites and in blogs with a direct link from the article back to this website. It may not be republished in any other form without written permission. It may not be used in any way where a price is charged or money is required to obtain it. This is sent forth freely for all of God's people, without charge. This copyright notice must appear on any use of this article.