God and Government
As we approach another national election in South Africa, once more there is a cry from the people of South Africa for good and godly people to be elected to the various offices of government at all levels. The Bible says that when good people run things, everyone is glad. But when the ruler is bad, everyone groans (Prov 29:2). We need good people to run things more than ever before in South Africa. However, if we are not willing to engage the political processes to achieve this then we should not complain when the rulers turn out to be bad.
Many people think that the phrase “a government of the people, by the people and for the people” was originated by Abraham Lincoln in his famous Gettysberg address. However Lincoln was quoting a man by the name of John Wycliffe whom God used to translate the Bible into English for the first time in 1382. Wycliffe used this phrase in the foreword to his first Bible translation. He knew that if Scripture could become the common property of all then personal and civil liberty would grow in his own country to the extent that the people would eventually break the yoke of tyrannical government and oppression. Up until that time only the educated, who were few, could read and access the Bible but Wycliffe understood that if you know the truth, the truth shall set you free. He gave his life to this cause and became the spark that ignited the Protestant Reformation of Europe.
The Word of God reveals many important tenets for government to function soundly and principles that will enable societies to nurture and preserve civil liberty. One of these is that rulers should be democratically elected. In Exodus 18:21 we read, “Moreover you shall select from all the people, able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.” While Israel was a theocracy (under God’s law) rather than a full democracy, the democratic process and idea that rulers should be elected does come from the Bible. This biblical idea has influenced many countries today that enjoy freedom and civil liberty that is unprecedented in history.
Jeremiah 29:4–7 (NLT)
4This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem:
5“Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce.
6Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away!
7And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
Jeremiah 29:7 (The Message)
7“Make yourselves at home there and work for the country’s welfare. “Pray for Babylon’s well-being. If things go well for Babylon, things will go well for you.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
11For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
We are called NOT to live in FEAR but BY FAITH:
A community of believers who are driven by fear will miss God’s opportunities.
Babylon was a wicked place.
It was corrupt.
This weekend our sermon topic will be about God and Government. We will pray for our nation as we will have our national election next Wednesday.
A lot of Christian leaders have stated their preference for who they want us as their FB friends to vote for. For me it is a privilege to vote in a New South Africa. But my vote is just one seed with many others hoping that it will bring true transformation to our country.
My HOPE however is not in my or your vote, but it is in God who with His unconditional love will use us to bring His way and will to our society.
The Psalmist said some may trust in horses, some in chariots and it seems like some are trusting in our vote, but my TRUST is in God who will use us to bring heaven to earth.
HIS LOVE for you and through you
1 John 4:18
New King James Version (NKJV)
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
Ephesians 3:15–21 (AMP)
17May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love,
18That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it];
19[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!
20Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—
21To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
2) Serving a community without expecting something back
3) Being radical generous
So after we prayed what do we
1 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)
2Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
Ezra 6:10 (NLT)
10Then they will be able to offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the welfare of the king and his sons.
1 Timothy 2:1 (NLT)
1I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
Ezra 7:23 (NLT)
23Be careful to provide whatever the God of heaven demands for his Temple, for why should we risk bringing God’s anger against the realm of the king and his sons?
Nehemiah 1:4 (NLT)
4When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.
Close
2 Chron 7:14
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)
14Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
