Biblically speaking, we find several forms of government all primarily emerging or developing from what I would refer to historically as nomadic. While there is much evidence of early monarchies like Melchizedek, King of Salem (Genesis 14:18, Hebrews 7:1-2) and the Pharaohs of Egypt (which mostly followed the principals of heredity) (Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy), most humans lived and survived in what I would classify as tribal units with some form of chieftains as their leaders to uphold laws and regulations.
Abram / Abraham is an excellent example, being literally an Arab, which originally referred to a semitic group of people (all descendants of Abraham) who lived in nomadic people groups.
For the Hebrew people, their governments varied significantly during different periods of time throughout their existence / history: (1) the nomadic period, from the Exodus to the entrance into Palestine; (2) the period of transition from nomadic to civil life military / spiritual leaders and judges; (3) the monarchy; (4) the period of subjection to other nations such as the Assyrians, Babylonians, Medio Persians; (5) the period from Ezra to the Greeks; (6) Greek rule; (7) Roman rule; and then most recently, since 1948, (8) a parliamentarian democracy.
God’s purpose for government is multifaceted: (1) regulate a sinful, rebellious society by establishing law and order for a people group; (2) to promote safety, peace, well-being, and justice for the good of individuals and nations (Romans 13:4); (3) for His purposes and glory.
However, just like churches, government is made up of human beings, some bad / evil / corrupt and some good, desiring to lead and govern in a proper and righteous manner. The intent of government, according to Romans 13:4 was never intended for the good or prosperity of those engaged in the governing, but instead for the progress and benefit of the governed . . . “for it is a minister of God to you for good.”
That was the philosophy of the majority of our founding fathers and why politician Daniel Webster, in a speech to the Senate in 1830 said, “It is, Sir, the people’s Constitution, the people’s Government, made for the people, made by the people, and answerable to the people!” And, as you most likely know, President Abraham Lincoln (republican) modified this statement along with one borrowed from Preacher Theodore Parker, in his famous Gettysburg address declaring “that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
THAT’S EXACTLY WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD VOTE! In addition, we should only vote our godly, biblically-based values as believers, if we actually hope for God’s blessing and protection to be upon our nation! If you can’t vote the truth and things of your faith in Christ and the Truth of His Word, then don’t vote.
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Proverbs 14:34
By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.
Proverbs 11:11
He changes rivers into a wilderness and springs of water into a thirsty ground; A fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it.
Psalm 107: 33-34
While I totally agree, there is no perfect candidate, for president or any other office, nor is there a perfect political party platform (which is why I’m a constitutional independent – not voting for a person, or culture, but instead for a position – actual held belief), we should vote to uphold the concept of, “a nation, under God . . . government of the people, by the people, for the people” in hope and prayer that it “shall not perish from the earth” (while highly unlikely) until CHRIST JESUS IS RULING and REIGNING AS KING!
Then, and only then, each of us and our world will experience a perfect leader who will organize and direct a perfect government!
Just in case you were wondering, what is a perfect government? There’s only one . . . A benevolent, righteous theocracy where the perfect will of the perfect leader is established and upheld 24/7. This removes the unrighteousness of humanity!
And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Revelation 19: 11-16
Until then, pray and vote, vote and pray. Come Lord Jesus!
The king’s favor is toward a servant who acts wisely, But his anger is toward him who acts shamefully.
Proverbs 14:35
His & Yours, Because of GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense),
-PF
