In those days there was no king in Israel

.... everyone did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6). This commentary on the things that were happening in Israel (the whole of the book of Judges) so soon after the death of Caleb, illustrates well the need for some form of government. Paul could command “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.” He goes on to say “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil” and that a ruler “does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil” (Romans 13:1-4). It is well to remember that at the time Israel was under Rome, a far from perfect authority!

In particular, the Scripture is not naive concerning the corruption, or righteousness, of rulers. And “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2). In the early days of Solomon, when he made his judgement over the disputed child of the two prostitutes, we read “And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered; and they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice” (1Kings 3:28). But over and over in 1 and 2 Kings we read this or that ruler did either evil or good, in the sight of the Lord. And of course “It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness” (Proverbs 16:12).

All this to ask the question “How should we as Christians respond and act towards government?” Well first there is an important exception to obedience to governing authorities. Peter when being told not to teach in the Name of Jesus declares “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). But we do need to obey where the laws are righteous. We also need to pray for government (1 Timothy 2:1). We aught also surly to give feet to our prayers at the very least by voting. Many Christians have neglected this and perhaps when things were more in balance it was relatively okay to do that. We also need Christian politicians, and we need to support those who God calls to this difficult ministry. In fact we need Christian leaders in all of the “seven mountains of influence” (Government, Media, Arts and Entertainment, Business, Education, Religion and Family). And we should pray for these things.

Father, I repent again this morning for myself and Your Church for abdicating our responsibility in these areas. Help us Lord to support those You are calling to the seven mountains of influence in our society. It will never be prefect Lord, democracy is not perfect, but as History has shown, it is better than the utopia on earth that many misguidedly seek to establish out of none Biblical ideologies. Thank You Lord that this World is not all there is, and that there is One who will bring forth Justice and that He will will not fail nor be discouraged, till He has established justice (Isaiah 42:1, 4). It will not fully happen until He returns. In the meantime show us our part Lord in bringing Your Kingdom to earth, and then help us to do it even as we pray “Even so come Lord Jesus.” We pray these things in His lovely Name Amen