The Unshakable Government

December 2017 — U.S. government threatens shutdown.

January 2018 — Government shuts down, reopens temporarily, and faces another looming shutdown.

I’m not sure whether the U.S. government will be open next month, but I know God’s government never shuts down and is always open to His people.

You might ask why I’d open a blog in such a controversial way. It’s because I’m concerned that I’m hearing more about the status of a civilian government from Christians than I am about the strength and resilience of God’s unshakable kingdom. When we elevate the importance of a nation’s government, we inadvertently downplay the importance of God’s government. Think about that.

If I elevate the importance of having sons to carry on the family name, by that same elevation I devalue the significance of daughters and diminish the vital role women play in culture and society. Not convinced? In biblical times, sons were prized in Israel, and while fathers loved their daughters, daughters were often married off with a dowry—arrangements rarely made with sons because sons were considered too valuable. To elevate anything is to lower something else. It’s inevitable.

If I say Jesus’ name is the highest name in existence, then every other name necessarily bows: my father’s name, my family name, my mayor’s name, my president’s name, the name of my race, my country, and every organization I’m part of—all bow to the name of Jesus. For something to be elevated, other things must be lowered.

Imagine all children who are four feet tall standing on the same two-foot stool. No one is truly elevated relative to the others—they’re all six feet tall together. But if only half stand on the stool, those children are now elevated above the rest. That’s the nature of elevation. This is why it’s hazardous—even reckless—to idolize singers, actors, preachers, parents, children, mentors, family members, or spouses. The higher you raise them, the lower everything else becomes, including your regard for Christ. To elevate anything above measure is to lower everything else.

The Bible says that of God’s government there will be no end. I love the U.S., live in the U.S., and am grateful to be an American, but before I am an American, I am a believer in Jesus Christ—and Christ’s government supersedes the U.S. government. Christ will keep my household even if the government shuts down. Scripture says, “I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread” (Psalm 37:25). God’s children should fear displeasing God, not a shutdown government.

Scripture References

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

— Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

http://bible.com/111/isa.9.6.niv

“Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”

— Isaiah 9:7 (NIV)

http://bible.com/111/isa.9.7.niv