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 13:1-2
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.
Just as surely as the nation of Israel was established by God, so was the nation in which we live today. However, Israel was formed because of a promise to their fathers and they were the special people of God. They served the purpose of bringing the Messiah to the world. Today we can be a part of spiritual Israel when we become the children of God. We then are his people, a royal priesthood and a holy nation. This nation is comprised of his people everywhere.
While our country (the U.S.) was established by a majority of people who believed in God and many of them in Jesus Christ, not all of them were believers. However, the laws upon which this country was built did reflect the Judeo Law and the morals it contained. Therefore, most of our laws have traditionally reflected the morality of the Bible and shown respect for God and his people.
It is no revelation to say that this is not always true today. We, as the people of God, are increasingly faced with public policy and civil laws that are in conflict with the law of God. When this happens we can expect God to react adversely toward us as a nation. What each of us can do about it is be faithful to him and seek to lead others to him. The most important thing we can do is pray. James says that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Heavenly Father, I do ask your blessings on this nation. I ask your mercy on us and on our leaders. Give them your wisdom and give us leaders who will respect you and honor your word. I ask you to guide the local and national elections that are coming up so that we might choose those who will give us laws that conform to your will. Help me show proper respect to the governing officials with whom I disagree. Keep me focused on the eternal and things that are spiritual and use me to lead others to you. I pray in the name of Jesus, my King and my Lord.
Robert
