Our Government

Last weekend, NZ had a general election as we do every 3 years. Our current Prime Minister is pretty good, he gets on well with Royalty in the UK and with the President of the USA so this gives a small country like ours a good standing in the World.

Despite this, it's my experience that people who vote are never happy with any party but we vote for what we believe is the best option. I'm sure in every democratic country it is exactly the same. The only ones celebrating at the end of election night are the politicians ; ) 

In fact in NZ it is rare for a party to get more than 50% of the vote and most governments are formed by coalition with other parties. What this means is that half the population has to put up with some party they didn't even vote for! Then of course we all know how politicians misbehave in parliament bringing in laws that the public never asked for or want!

Honestly, most people are unhappy with the government in a democracy. And if you live in a non-democratic country you are probably even worse off, despite what North Korea would have us believe. Is there any country anywhere in this World where the people love their government? 

In Romans 13:1, Paul makes the rather remarkable statement that all governments are put in place by God. He was being entirely consistent with what Jesus said to Pilate just before Pilate had Jesus crucified. In John 19:11 Jesus says to Pilate "You would have no power at all over me unless it were given to you from above". 

Do we really just have to roll over and take it just because God has ordained our government? 

This is very difficult to accept when you think of some of the evil governments of history and even today. Does this mean that God approves of their actions? Of course not! He will judge evil wherever it is found especially in leadership. We must always fight for justice in peace and if we are struck we must turn the other cheek. Who said following Jesus would save us from trouble?

What our government demonstrates is the nature of God. He loves order and because we are like him, so do we. Nobody can stand to live in chaos for very long. In fact, we can see extraordinary order in Nature in our World and in the Universe. Everything is governed by something or someone. This is why every believer can say with utmost confidence that there must be a Designer, an Ultimate Governor over everything. 

Colossians 1

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Fair enough but is God's Government good, would we like it? There is a verse we often read at Christmas that was written 600 years before Jesus was born. 

From Isaiah 9

"6 For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the greatness of his government and peace

    there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne

    and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

    with justice and righteousness

    from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

    will accomplish this."

Fantastic words but is this just some politicians election promise, to be broken on the day after being elected? After all it has been 2000 years since Jesus was here and our World doesn't seem to have improved too much - we still have so much evil, injustice, poverty and war maybe even more so. 

Here is something that can only be believed to be seen. Every believer has a dual citizenship. We are citizens of Earth but we are also citizens of Heaven. The ideal of Government is great but down here, we are subject to human government which is corrupt because every man and woman is corrupt. 

Proverbs 29:2

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Is that the kind of government you are suffering under? Have a close look at the leadership! People today say that as long as the person does a good job, their moral character doesn't matter. But one is effected by the other. Whether it be at family, at community, at job or country level, a government like that's days are numbered! 

That's the bad news about mankind but here's the good news. The words in Isaiah 9 are already true and one day will be even more so. I want to tell you something that is true right NOW for every citizen of Heaven. When you face a storm, don't be upset and start to panic. Listen carefully to what God's Spirit says in your heart. You will find that there is nothing to worry about. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and ruling over all so listen to him! 

By now you might think I've gone completely bonkers but why don't you try it out on any problem or trouble you face and prove it for yourself? Seeing is believing after all : )