Memory Verse: Daniel 4:17b
To the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
Read: 2 Chronicles 20:5-6
5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,
6 And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?
Message
God rules in the affairs of men. There is no government of this world outside the control of the sovereign Lord. Political scientists may try to predict future events that will occur in a government, but the most accurate information about a government lies in the hands of God.
In an ideal democracy, people assume elective positions based on the votes of the masses. The constitutions of such countries spell out how long a government should stay in power before a change can take place by the same electoral process. The sovereign Lord does not require such procedures to change any government.
The fact remains that He is in charge in the affairs of all nations. Wise people would therefore pray and commit their government into God’s hands. Those who think they can carry on without Him have realised too late that there is someone above and over all the governments of the world. A good example of God’s intervention in human government is the case of Egypt. They were at one time the strongest of all governments on earth and so controlled to a large extent, the affairs of the known world.
The sovereign Lord intervened in the dream of Pharaoh King of Egypt. He had a dream that troubled his spirit. The meaning and application of this dream was beyond what the magicians could look into by their usual consultation with the powers of darkness.
Sometimes, God conceals a secret for a divine purpose to be fulfilled. God revealed the secret to Joseph who interpreted the dream. This feat earned him the position of the prime minister. Ordinarily, the slave boy could not have become so powerful by human manipulation.
Prayer for those in government is very good and clearly recommended. God expects His children to pray in this direction: that He may control the affairs of their government and that He may get the attention of those in power. This is why Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 advised that we should pray for public office holders, that God may use them to maintain peace in our environment.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
We must cultivate the habit of praying for our governments if we want God to rule in our affairs for justice, peace, progress and prosperity.
Action Point:
Decide from today to spend time praying for the various governments of your country and for those in position of authority.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : HEBREWS 1:1-5:9 and PSALM 23
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