God controls all of the events in history - all of the decisions of rulers/kings/parliaments and the actions of their governments/armies/navies serve His will.
The freedom to publicly practice Christianity is not available to more than half of the world's population. For Christians living in these countries, the assurance that God rules over the governments that rule over them should give courage and confidence to them in times of harassment and persecution.
We should put out trust in God and no in the decision making powers of politicians!
We can often do exactly what we want to do, yet this is exactly what God planned for us to do. Professor Berkouwer said: "It is striking to observe how often the purpose of God is reached without radical intervention. On the surface there may be nothing to see except human activity creating and defining history on a horizontal level."
God used governments to fulfill OT prophecies about Jesus. (Matthew 2:14-15, 17-18, 21-23). For example, David and Mary were summoned to Bethlehem to register for a census at just the right time for the messiah to be born to fulfill one of Micah's prophecies (Micah 5:2).
God recorded in his Word specific instances of His sovereign rule over history in order that we might trust Him in the affairs of history as they unfold before us today. God's hand was no more apparent then than it is today.
"There is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...For [the ruler] is God's servant to do you good" - Romans 13:1-4. God allows bad things to happen (Christians being persecuted for their faith for example) by His sovereignty and for reasons known only to Himself.
"The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone He wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men" - Daniel 4:17...also check out verse 32
We should NOT let our guard down and discharge our military personnel - just not put our trust in them but rather in God. Our duty is to pray for wise decisions of our leaders but also to trust when foolish/harmful decisions are made because ultimate, God is in control:
- "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord" - Proverbs 21:31
- "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God" - Psalm 20:7
- "No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save" - Psalm 33:16-17
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