As I read the O.T. prophets I sometimes wonder what kind of relevancy there is in them (for myself, for us right now) . I love to find the passages that speak directly of Christ, so of course I'm always looking for that. But what of the rest of it? It's easy to want to pass over it. Today though, since the coming elections are on my mind (I've been seeking the Lord for ways to pray for the nation), these prophetic words take on a poignant application.
One thing we can see in the prophetic writings, especially the ones of judgment on particular nations, is what is it that pleases God in a nation, and what brings His anger and judgment? I see a clear "compare and contrast" of the rulership of Christ vs. the rulership of earthly kingdoms. If we're open to it, I think we will be able to see our nation, with its government and leadership, as God sees it. We will have a clearer vision of what we should look for in our leaders, and we will be able to see what the future outcomes will be of the decisions made in our government. As the constituents of a democracy, the responsibility for these falls on us.
Rather than attempt to tell you (or myself) what to think or pray, I'm simply going to point out the sides of the "balance" that I see. I don't want the proclamation on us in the heavenlies to be you've been weighed in the balance and found wanting. On God's right hand is Christ, the King, and His righteous character. On the left is that which, eventually, will be separated out and destroyed.
In mercy the throne will be established;
And One will sit on it in truth, in the tabernacle of David,
Judging and seeking justice and hastening righteousness.
Isaiah 16:5
We know that Jesus Christ is returning to reign on Earth, and that His reign will be just, righteous and true. But anyone who wants to can willingly give up the throne and allow Him to rule right now (in the future, it will be mandatory). This is simply recognizing the reality that Jesus is actually Lord. "All authority in heaven and earth is given to me." The truth is, there is only one throne. Anyone in it other than Him is a usurper and will be overthrown. It is easy enough to tell who is on the throne-- in my own life and in the nations.
PRIDE
We have heard of the pride of Moab—
He is very proud—
Of his haughtiness and his pride and his wrath;
But his lies shall not be so.
Therefore Moab shall wail for Moab;
Everyone shall wail.
Isaiah 16: 6-7a
Pride is what brought Satan down, and what will bring every nation and every individual to a fall.
The first and best thing we can each do for our nation is to go before the Lord and allow Him to reveal Himself to us. In His presence, our own pride and haughtiness are revealed. The places where we do not allow Him to rule are revealed. If we allow Him to take the logs out of our eyes, we may, with His grace, have a clear enough vision to see the faults of our nation and take them before the Lord in humble intercession.
Questions to ponder:
We often hear the statement God Bless America! Do you say it?
Have you ever taken for granted the fact of God's blessing the nation?
What do we need to do as a nation to reap God's blessings?
On what is the Lord dealing with you today to help you be a better citizen:
1) of the Kingdom of God 2) of the country you live in?
Showing posts with label delegated authority. Show all posts
Showing posts with label delegated authority. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
June 28, 2010 A Choice of Princes
Don't you just love the Psalm today? I suppose I could say that about all Scripture verses, since they're all from the Lord. This one spoke to me particularly about something that's been on my mind a great deal lately.
"Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help." Psalm 146: 3 I can say "Amen" to this, because, well. . .how many times have I done this myself, only to be disappointed? We're going to get disappointed if we look to a person to be our savior,deliverer, provider. . .etc.
In my personal life, I still struggle sometimes to put my full trust in God. I have to trust God when my husband faces difficulties. I've had to trust God many times when things seemed impossible, and God, not man, has come through. God has not changed, only circumstances. Still, we get stretched, and our faith and hope get stronger. God still uses my husband to provide for me, but without God's help, he wouldn't be able to do it. He'd be the first to say so.
In the wider scope of things, I am challenged daily to again put my full trust in God. I see disasters around the world-- many man-made-- and the problems appear to be so insurmountable that I thank the Lord I am not a world leader. Mankind seems to be making things worse the more we try to fix things. When will we decide we can't do it ourselves and turn to God? I pray for the governments to have the wisdom to solve these things. But more and more, I pray for the return of Christ to rule and make things right. We are instructed to do this, and we all need to be in agreement: "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven."
While we still have a voice in this nation-- a democracy that gives us the right to think, choose and vote-- we must seek God's will and choose our government accordingly. God has given a great privilege! We have the government we choose. This means that we have the possibility of choosing the Kingdom of God even now! Why would we turn this down?
It is not man we are to look to for leadership, even though God often works through human instruments. Christ Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He is willing to have the government laid upon His shoulders. He will raise up a government that is able to lead in wisdom and righteousness, if only we will turn back to Christ and look to Him as our true Prince. When we don't look to Christ to lead us into the truth, what we end up with, instead, is lies and destruction. There is no philosophy or political agenda, no man or government that can accomplish God's will without submitting to God. No matter how good it looks, a counterfeit will always disappoint. Let's not choose the wrong prince!
5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 Who made heaven and earth,
The sea, and all that is in them;
Who keeps truth forever,
7 Who executes justice for the oppressed,
Who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners.
8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind;
The LORD raises those who are bowed down;
The LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the strangers;
He relieves the fatherless and widow;
But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.
10 The LORD shall reign forever—
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the LORD!
[NKJV]
"Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help." Psalm 146: 3 I can say "Amen" to this, because, well. . .how many times have I done this myself, only to be disappointed? We're going to get disappointed if we look to a person to be our savior,deliverer, provider. . .etc.
In my personal life, I still struggle sometimes to put my full trust in God. I have to trust God when my husband faces difficulties. I've had to trust God many times when things seemed impossible, and God, not man, has come through. God has not changed, only circumstances. Still, we get stretched, and our faith and hope get stronger. God still uses my husband to provide for me, but without God's help, he wouldn't be able to do it. He'd be the first to say so.
In the wider scope of things, I am challenged daily to again put my full trust in God. I see disasters around the world-- many man-made-- and the problems appear to be so insurmountable that I thank the Lord I am not a world leader. Mankind seems to be making things worse the more we try to fix things. When will we decide we can't do it ourselves and turn to God? I pray for the governments to have the wisdom to solve these things. But more and more, I pray for the return of Christ to rule and make things right. We are instructed to do this, and we all need to be in agreement: "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven."
While we still have a voice in this nation-- a democracy that gives us the right to think, choose and vote-- we must seek God's will and choose our government accordingly. God has given a great privilege! We have the government we choose. This means that we have the possibility of choosing the Kingdom of God even now! Why would we turn this down?
It is not man we are to look to for leadership, even though God often works through human instruments. Christ Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and He is willing to have the government laid upon His shoulders. He will raise up a government that is able to lead in wisdom and righteousness, if only we will turn back to Christ and look to Him as our true Prince. When we don't look to Christ to lead us into the truth, what we end up with, instead, is lies and destruction. There is no philosophy or political agenda, no man or government that can accomplish God's will without submitting to God. No matter how good it looks, a counterfeit will always disappoint. Let's not choose the wrong prince!
5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 Who made heaven and earth,
The sea, and all that is in them;
Who keeps truth forever,
7 Who executes justice for the oppressed,
Who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners.
8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind;
The LORD raises those who are bowed down;
The LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the strangers;
He relieves the fatherless and widow;
But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.
10 The LORD shall reign forever—
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the LORD!
[NKJV]
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
February 3, 2010
Wasn't it cool how the Scripture readings coordinated today? I love the contrast between Moses and the religious leaders of Jesus' day. Jesus said that "they sit on Moses' seat; therefore do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach." Matthew 22:2-3
Later in the chapter, he said more that described Moses: "The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted." vs. 11-12 Moses was serving the people so much that his wise father-in-law advised that he delegate some responsibility. Then he demonstrated humility and took the advice. Exodus 18:19-25 Jesus also was a great example of these principles.
There are times we have to recognize our God-given limits. Yes, we are to function in His power and strength, but as you can see, it is not given to us to do everything in the Kingdom as an individual. We need other people to help. If we could do everything ourselves, then there would be no need for the Body of Christ to function. Even Jesus, who is God and could certainly do everything Himself if He wanted to, has made us His Body, and He's delegated authority and expects us to carry out our functions faithfully.
Later in the chapter, he said more that described Moses: "The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted." vs. 11-12 Moses was serving the people so much that his wise father-in-law advised that he delegate some responsibility. Then he demonstrated humility and took the advice. Exodus 18:19-25 Jesus also was a great example of these principles.
There are times we have to recognize our God-given limits. Yes, we are to function in His power and strength, but as you can see, it is not given to us to do everything in the Kingdom as an individual. We need other people to help. If we could do everything ourselves, then there would be no need for the Body of Christ to function. Even Jesus, who is God and could certainly do everything Himself if He wanted to, has made us His Body, and He's delegated authority and expects us to carry out our functions faithfully.
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