Psalm 76, a Passage from Colossians Chapter 1 - And, Governance by the Book... Revisited - Entry #1

Psalm 76:1-12 reports,

In Judah God is known; His Name is great in Israel. His tent is in Salem, His dwelling place in Zion.

There He broke the flashing arrows, the shields and the swords, the weapons of war. Selah

You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game.

Valiant men lie plundered, they sleep their last sleep; not one of the warriors can lift His hands.

At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both horse and chariot lie still.

You alone are to be feared.

Who can stand before You when You are angry?

From heaven You pronounced judgment, and the land feared and was quiet---when You, O God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land. Selah

Surely your wrath against men brings you praise, and the survivors of Your wrath are restrained.
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Make vows to the LORD Your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared.

He breaks the spirit of rulers; He is feared by the kings of the earth.

Paul, in his letter to the Colossians wrote:

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified you to share in the abundance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the knowledge of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all thing were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 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. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, 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.

AMEN!

Saints,

Thus begins our journey for the next few entries of ONE NATION UNDER GOD. I will be presenting excerpts from "Governance by the Book" by Olivia "Livvy" McDonald(c)2010.* To accomodate understanding, I welcome questions and comment. Feel free to email me by clicking on the contact button of this blog. I dedicate this work first to Yeshua Ha Mashiach, Christ Jesus, my LORD, Savior, the Messiah. I further dedicate this book to my God-fearing parents. And, finally, I dedicate these entries to the countless number of students who have passed before me during my academic career. I call upon each of you to stand up in the Name Above all other Names, in the Name of Christ Jesus, and serve the LORD in whatever capacity you find yourselves in anywhere in the world. I call forth this army of Prayer Warriors [ALL] from the North, South, East, and West. You are the DANIELS of this Age. "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good work and give honor to Our Father Who is in Heaven."

GOVERNANCE BY THE BOOK

To all who wish to govern to the honor and glory of God in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Here is God's perspective on the current conditions here on earth.
He says in Psalm 2,

"Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against His Anointed One. 'Let us break their chains,' they say 'and throw off their fetters.' The One enthroned in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Then He rebukes them in His anger and terrifies them in His wrath, saying, ' I have installed My King on Zion, My holy hill.' I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, 'You are My Son; Today I have become Your Father. Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; You will dash them to pieces like pottery.' Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for His wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him."

Time on God's clock would biblically place us at the feet of the statue of Nebuchannezer "N'vukhadnetzar"found in the Book Daniel,Chapter 2, and we are still in the first three chapters of the Book of Revelation.

This is important to understand as we sit at the precipice of time. Consequently, I have an open letter to the Christian in positions of governance wherever you are in the world.

To Christians in Positions of Governance:

The following questions should be considered as you develop political platforms and economic strategies, as you identify those you presume to be significant stakeholders for your nation. The questions are these:

The first question is, "How is your nation treating the least, most vulnerable members of your population?" This would include children (born and pre-born), orphans, widows, and aliens in your midst. What is the official posture of your nation with regard to these individuals? And, is the official posture demonstrated in appropriate action?

For us here in the United States, I hasten to add that from a divine perspective, to speak of state orchestrated loss of health benefit, insurance coverage, etc. is a less significant question than the public tolerance of merciless slaughter of infants, the state orchestrated genocide of babies by abortion conducted by virtue of its legalization. Also, the erosion of family demonstrated by widespread toleration of what I have coined "serial polygamy," a life-long, linear progression of marriage followed by divorce, followed by marriage, followed by divorce, thus multiplying the numbers of orphans, meaning children without both parents present in the household, is of greater consequence from a divine perspective than say illegal immigration. I say this knowing that I invite criticism, but nevertheless, whether individuals who come illegally to this country have so-called "anchor babies" or not, they will have violated man's law which is an important infraction, but not as important as the violation of God's mandate for one man to be joined to one woman and then "become fruitful and multiply." Failure to obey God has embedded within it the adverse consequences of that disobedience.

In the case of demography, violation of God's decrees lead to the "self-destructive" levels of population growth, limited population growth resulting in what we see happening in Europe. European populations are stagnant in their respective nations, thus creating a downward spiral that demographically entrenches Islam in those European nations. This happens because even though Islamists are not worshiping the God of the Holy Bible, they are not violating God's multiplication decree. Those who practice Islam are being "fruitful and multiplying" in accordance with God's command to humanity.

Saints, violation of God's dictates costs. It may well cost the price of Western Civilization. The idolatry of self, of position, of individual gain, has resulted in the delay and diminished priority of marriage and family, the first institution created by God on this earth. And, Christian discussions that lambast the presence of homosexuals is often misplaced. Not because God endorses such behavior. He does not. But, if you revisit the account of Sodom and Gommorah you will find that the principle complaint registered by God was Sodom's lavish, gluttonous lifestyle, a lifestyle that forgot God. [See: Ezekiel 16:49 for a better understanding of the Genesis 13:13 account.] In fact, God Himself says that homosexuality is a curse that He Himself pronounces upon a land that has already distanced itself from Him. [See:Romans 1:27-28]

But, back to my questions.

The second question that should be answered is, "Where does your nation stand with regard to the sovereignty of Israel?" Albeit, national Israel is not what it will be when Messiah returns; nevertheless, we must obey what God says. Christians must stand with Israel. Perilous times are ahead. God has made the following pronouncements concerning Israel:

According to Zechariah, Chapter 12:

"The burden of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, Who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him: 'Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it. On that day, declares the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and its rider with madness. But for the sake of the house of Judah I will keep my eyes open, when I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, 'The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.'

On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a blazing pot in the midst of wood, like a flaming torch among sheaves. And they shall devour to the right and to the left all the surrounding peoples, while Jerusalem shall again be inhabited in its place, in Jerusalem.

And the LORD will give salvation to the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not surpass that of Judah. On that day the LORD will protect the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them on that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the angel of the LORD, going before them. And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

And, the third question is, "Have you and your nation's stakeholders identified known wrongs and instituted corrective actions, the actions needed to not repeat those offenses against God?"
This is not an insignificant question. Stated differently.
"Have leaders and stakeholders humbled themselves before God (meaning not only do they recognize the seriousness of violating God's Word but also have made a commitment to obey what God says in the Holy Bible), repented (meaning initiated a change in mindset that rightly aligns with God's word), implemented the change(s) required in individual organizations and places of governance, supporting the law of the land that is consistent with the United States Constitution,if you are here in the US? Are there Christians among your stakeholder groups that are willing to commit to prayer for the nation as they develop plans. For leaders of emerging nations, are you willing to seek God for wisdom on constitutional reform and related initiatives? If this has taken place, and all intend to continually seek God's guidance on every aspect of their operations, then the country will have maximum likelihood of national transformation.

For some, it is a hard pill to swallow, what I am about to say to those of you who are in positions of governance in emerging nations.

The U.S. model is relevant to you only in this regard:

The Constitutional designers acknowledged God. And, He [GOD] promises that if we acknowledge Him, He will make our path straight. This is true for nations as well as individuals.

In God's Providence, God-fearing people established the United States. And, God says that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. That is why the details of the U.S. Constitution and its provisions are framed with appropriate durability. That is, as long as there are enough God-fearing individuals in place to maintain the required prayer and operational vigilance to protect the Constitution. God requires repentence and He promises to bless nations that obey Him but to curse those nations that do not. [See: Deuteronomy 28; Psalm 9:17; Leviticus 26; Acts 17:30-31.]

It is right relationship with God through Christ Jesus that will make the difference. [Matthew 5:13-16;John 14:15-21; John 15:5]

It will not do to simply transport the US Constitution into the national settings of other nations. What is required is right relationship with God, relationship that yields divine revelation, like that experienced by Daniel and Joseph, confirmed by Holy Scripture. As with our nation's founders, it was not human ingenuity but divine inspiration that led to the nature of the documents that represent the structure of governance for United States. God is no respecter of persons and will grant abundant wisdom to any who ask.

Again, addressing emerging nations, with the development of a working document to first acknowledge the tyranny associated with business as usual, there must then be developed a second document that succinctly outlines those areas that must be addressed which are crippling the nation. With much prayer, Bible study, and research, you will then be able to present an alternative agenda to the nation, an agenda that is endorsed by God. Since He is the one that establishes authority thoughout the world, it is important that framers of the emerging governments not kick against the goad. Failure at national repentence yields the outcome of increased corruption and accompanying economic, social, and political instability for any nation. And, it is important to understand that the national leader is a mirror of the nation at large. God-honoring institutions are to be developed and nurtured. [See: Proverbs 14:34; Psalm 11:3; Psalm 33:12; 1Corinthians 3:11-13; Luke 6:47-49]

Once the critical spiritual issues above are addressed, then God-honoring change may occur. The typical steps, milestones along the way, are as follows:

1. Discussions and written deliberations about rights and responsibilities of the citizenry based upon the Holy Bible

2. Discussions and written deliberations about the structure of government that will maximize the preservation of God given rights and responsibilities, taking into consideration how God describes the human condition

3. All discussions and written deliberations should be moderated with the understanding that the reason for government is not personal gain, or want for prominence, but rather service that secures the rights that have been clearly outlined based upon correct understanding of the Word of God, the Holy Bible

4. Discussion and written deliberations concerning the mechanisms of governance that are to be in place for securing the rights of the populace. We are to rightly steward that which has been given us in behalf of future generations. [See: Nehemiah 4:14; Deuteronomy 4:31; Lamentations 1:16; Malachi 4:6; 2 Corinthians 12:14]. This requires the development of institutional mechanisms designed to do the following:

a. Protect what is of value to God from the threat of depletion, erosion, or obsolescence

b. Prop up that which is weakened by forces that wish to undermine that which God values for the society

c. Forestall that which would weaken the God ordained institutions of society

d. Reacquire that which has been lost, captured, or otherwise rendered inaccessible to the society

e. Prevent adverse factors from reaching a level in which they might jeopardize the existence of God-given rights and the conditions required for those rights to prevail

f. Interrelate the derivative goals to maximize coverage, quality, and stability of those rights

g. Regulate actions, actors and outcomes that have competing interpretations about the exercise of those rights, interpretations that diminish the God-given freedom to exercise those very rights secured only because of God.

With all of the above discussions (and written deliberations), the following pitfalls should be prayerfully avoided: [See: Deuteronomy 28:14-68; Proverbs 6:7; Romans 13:3-4]

1. Misspecification of problems - Problem Definitions that are inconsistent with the Word of God

2. Hyperactivity that gleans little tangible result - Futility of Effort

3. Focusing on peripheral rather than strategically critical issues

4. Having stakeholders who "feel good" about each other's effort as a closed group without tangible benefit perceptible on the part of the general public

5. Having "too little, too late"

6. Successfully solving the wrong problem

7. Equating the allocation of money into some initiative as meaning the problem is solved

8. Misspecification of the benefit to be gained by the population

There are other challenges, but those I just mentioned are the most common.

A closing word for this day's installment:

God gives us a choice. [See: Deuteronomy 8:19-20; Ezra 10:1-3; Jonah 3:8-10]

Psalm 1 makes promises concerning the consequences of our choices. Blessed is the man that meditates on the Word of God. "He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. No so for the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away." They will not stand in the judgment.

This choice option is followed by Psalm 2 which points to the fact that humanity has chosen rebelliousness.

Rebelliousness against God blinds and deafens. According to the Holy Bible, the rebellious have eyes and ears that fail them because these rebellious people take on the characteristics of their idol[s].[See: Isaiah 44:9-20; Deuteronomy 12:32-13:18;Jeremiah 10:15] The rebellious become as deaf and blind as the objects of their worship, the creations of their own hands. God promises to answer in keeping with the level of idolatry practiced. The only solution to this "senselessness" is repentance. The right turning away from idols and back to God yields "rationality."

One might retort, "Aren't there great minds that know not God?" God's answer is NO.
He says, it is a fool that says in his heart that there is no God. Further, in Ezekiel 14:4, we can learn much from God's response to "a backslidden" Israel.

"Therefore say to the house of Israel, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices! When any Israelite or any alien living in Israel separates himself from Me and sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face and then goes to a prophet to inquire of me, I the Lord will answer him Myself. I will set my face against that man and make him an example and a byword. I will cut him off from my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord." In contrast to the very negative consequences of rebellion, examine what God promises in Jeremiah 15:19:

"...If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless words, you will be my spokeman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them. I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you for I am with you to rescue and save you," declares the Lord. "I will save you from the hands of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel."

Fear of the Lord is indeed the beginning of wisdom!

Senselessness is futile. Methods that are applied in a senseless context, draped in methodical sophistication, will yield futile consequences because there is a God in heaven Who requires acknowledgment. And, He wishes acknowledgment first and NOT as an afterthought. God says that if we seek Him first, His kingdom, His lordship first, that He will order the rest of our lives. This includes our reasoning processes, the clarity of thought required to address the problems of the day and to establish God-honoring safeguards for the future.

It is not mere coincidence that great works of earlier times were known to be dedicated to God prior to design, construction and/or composition. National leaders would be well advised to do the same, to seek God prior to acting on any undertaking.

If the Lord wills, my next blog installment will address the question, "What happens when those in positions of governance fail to seek wisdom from the God of the Holy Bible? What does that mean for the nation at-large?"

ONE NATION UNDER GOD!
AMEN!
---Livvy McDonald :)<><
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My Postscript, Y'all!

Job was right when he both asked and then responded to two profound questions. He answered each by quoting God.

Job said...,

"But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell? Man does not comprehend its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living. The deep says, 'It is not in me'; the sea says, 'It is not with me.' It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed in silver. It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or sapphires. Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold. Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. The topaz of Cush cannot compare with it; it cannot be bought with pure gold.

"Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds of the air. Destruction and Death say, 'Only a rumor of it has reached our ears.' God understands the way to it and He alone knows where it dwells, for He views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When He established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, when He made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, then He looked at wisdom and appraised it; He confirmed it and tested it. And, He said to man, 'The fear of the Lord---that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'" Job 28:12-26