“He (God) removes kings and sets up kings” Daniel 2:21.
It may seem that the world is out of control and being ruled
by men and women we feel we cannot trust, but this is far from the truth,
because God is in control! The bible teaches people do not come to power by
accident! In fact the opposite, God is the one who sets up kings and rulers for
his purposes.
No one can take up a place of power or authority unless God
has ordained it. God uses the good, the bad and the ugly. God uses the
unexpected to fulfill his purposes in world history. Some are put in place to
speed something up or allow something to happen. Others are raised up to slow
something down or to prevent something from happening.
God hardened the heart of the Pharaoh to set in motion his
plan to release his people from evil bondage and their escape from Egypt. God
used the Pharaoh for his purposes. God used a pagan king, Cyrus king of Persia,
a man of bloody conquests and cut throat politics, to rebuild the holy temple
in Jerusalem and call back the Israelites from the Babylonian exile. God used
Cyrus for his purposes. When Pontius Pilate told Jesus he had the power to have
him crucified Jesus replied “You would have no power over me if it were not
given to you from above” John 19:11. God used Pontius Pilate for his purposes.
Do not be so hasty to write a ruler or
leader off. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways
my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8. Nothing is wasted in Gods economy
he could be about to use him or her for some historic event which will bring about
Gods purposes for mankind. "For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can
frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?"
Isaiah 14:27.
All authority begins and ends with God and God is
in control. Knowing this how should we act?
Firstly we should submit to those in
authority over us. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for
there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities
that exist have been established by God” Romans 13:1. Secondly honour those in authority
over us by having respect for their position. “Honour where honour is due”
Romans 13:7. Finally pray for kings, and for all those in authority, that we
might lead a peaceful life” 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
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