W. Frank Walton
10/26/12
“Thus says the Lord, `I have made the earth, the men and the beasts which are on the face of the earth by My great power and by My outstretched arm, and I will give it to the one who is pleasing in My sight’” (Jer 27:5).
God had Jeremiah announce to the nations surrounding Judah to submit to King Nebuchadnezzar or face destruction. This shows us God’s providence that He ultimately rules in the affairs of state. This does not mean that He always chooses who might win an election, but this verse does show that He superintends the course of history. C.S. Lewis said, “History is guided by the finger of God.”
We should pray for and support government officials who will do the most good and the least harm in accord with Biblical principles (1 Tim 2:1-2). Government was instituted by God as His “servant” for civil control of law and order (Rom 13:1-5). Also, studying the Old Testament prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, etc. show that God hold men and governments accountable for their deeds and those that become too wicked are judged and stricken down.
It is comforting to know that God is in final control of the world and its politics. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, the world’s superpower, became arrogant and Daniel preached to him that he would be humbled: “you will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes” (Dan 4:34).