Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 33:12-17
Ps 33:12-17
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. 13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.
Rom 13:1-3
1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Since God is the ultimate authority, over all his creation, in heaven, on earth, both above and beneath the earth and all of mankind, he alone establishes the nations and their rulers. The Egyptians of old were the world power and held the people of God in bondage but in the hands of Moses and Aaron, they were defeated, and Israel was set free. The Babylonians defeated and destroyed Jerusalem and Judah, and then took the people captive. It seemed that no army in the world could stand against their power. Yet, at the hand of God, the Medes overpowered them and killed their king in one night. The Romans ruled the world, persecuted the early Christians, trying to wipe them out, but God’s people prevailed, and the Roman nation was destroyed. God is in control whether we see it or not.
So today, we submit to our government as established by God. Are we so vain as to think that somehow, we control our own destiny? God may use us (and even those who deny his existence) to elect the ones he chooses but only the ones that he allows are elected. When we see someone that we consider as being wicked in power, it poses a problem in our minds. But none could be more wicked than the Caesars of Rome or the Pharaohs of Egypt, and God put them in power and used them to do his will. To show respect and obey the laws gives honor to God.
Heavenly Father, how infinite is your wisdom! You are LORD and Jesus is the King of kings. Open my eyes to see your power and my heart to trust your wisdom. Use me to do your will in whatever way you choose. Help me be more concerned and more involved in your spiritual kingdom and the saving of lost souls. I thank you for the freedoms we have in this country to be able to worship you and teach your word without fear of being persecuted. Give your strength and patience to those who do not have this freedom. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
