Welcome, friends, to another
broadcast of Morsels for Zion's Poor. The Lord instructs his
children to be responsible and obedient citizens of the earthly
nations of which they are a part. Let every soul be subject unto
the higher powers, for there is no power but of God. The powers
that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth
the power resisteth the ordinance of God. We are not taught to
be anarchists or to rejoice in those who sow seeds of sedition.
Rather, we are to give honor and respect to those who are
put in places of government, remembering that they are placed
in these positions according to the sovereign purpose of Almighty
God. Sometimes in light of this commandment,
some men equate patriotism with godliness. Now while it is true
that grace produces a measure of patriotism in the true sons
of God, it is far from true that all patriots serve and love God
out of a pure heart. Our primary allegiance as the
sons of God is to Him. We obey the laws of the land
because the Lord commands us to, not out of a blind allegiance
to the authority of men or some mindless patriotic fervor. We
are a blessed nation in many respects. We have a form of government
which allows each individual to have a voice, though admittedly
it sometimes seems to be a very small voice. So as responsible
citizens of this republic, we should exercise our privilege
and duty to vote for those whom we feel are most qualified and
suitable to be our leaders. If we lived in a nation which
had a king or other non-elected ruler, then we would have the
responsibility to obey and honor that monarch. The type of government
which the Lord sees fit to put us under should have no bearing
on whether or not we honor that government. God uses the government
of tyrants and dictators to fulfill His purposes in the earth, just
as much as He does that of the most benevolent of elected leaders. Since we are fortunate to live
in a democratic society, some assume that this is the ideal
government for all nations of the earth. In fact, some think
that the quest for such is synonymous with the ongoing of the kingdom
of God. But the reality is that the kingdom of God is not concerned
with the government's principalities or the prevailing religious thought
of any nation in this world. The Lord Jesus said, My kingdom
is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world,
then would my servants fight that I should not be delivered
to the Jews. But now is my kingdom not from hence. The only war
which God has called his children to engage in is one which is
not fought with guns and knives. Those powers which we are charged
with overcoming are not of flesh and blood. For we wrestle not
against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places. Now, while I would stop
short of saying that a child of God should never, under any
circumstance, engage in an earthly combat, I am certain that such
warfare does not produce any lasting spiritual result. The
hearts of men are not conquered by the power of the flesh. Lasting
freedom and peace is the gift of God, not something paid for
by the blood of patriots, however nobly it may be shed. It is quite
common to hear it said that the future of our nation depends
on who we elect as president. There may be an element of truth
in this, insofar as God allows us to select them. But make no
mistake about this, the future of our nation is not in the hands
of men, but depends on the mercy and grace of God, who rules the
heavens and the earth. The whole disposing of any election
and its results are in His keeping. God's will shall be done. The kingdoms of this world may
wax and wane, but the purpose of the Almighty shall be accomplished
without fail. His kingdom shall be established
without the aid of any earthly government. The gospel of the
kingdom shall be preached in triumph wherever He sends His
messengers. No prince, no ruler, nor set
of earthly laws can hinder its progress. Neither can its success
be secured or aided by the same. Kings, queens, and presidents
rule at the pleasure of Him who is the King of kings and the
Lord of lords, and they shall surely perform His bidding in
the earth. So then it is not of Him that willeth, nor of Him
that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. For the scripture
saith unto Pharaoh, even for this same purpose have I raised
thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name
might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath
he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Do you rejoice in earthly leaders,
or in the King of kings? For a free CD containing 15 of
these radio broadcasts, send an email to forthepoor at windstream.net.