Today is the 4th of July, 2024! Two hundred forty-eight years ago, our nation’s government was formally born. (We can’t really say “this nation” because this land was here much longer.) But speaking of governments… historians who’ve studied past empires (China, Roman, Greek, etc.) tell us there’s a consistent 250-year life cycle before a government collapses and power shifts. We are coming up on that estimate at 248 years! Could these indeed be the “last days?” Maybe not of the world, but of the stability of our government and how things have operated in the past? Ready for some good news? Read on…
Today's Reading:
2 Kings 15,16; Hosea 1; Hebrews 1
Scripture
“In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in many ways, but in these last days, He has spoken to us in His Son whom He has appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by the power of His Word” (Hebrews 1: 1-2)
Observation
God sent us, His people, into a nation that could be on its last leg. We were assigned to a country whose government and leadership are wobbly and fungible. The fulcrum of absolute truth has shifted, leaving behind no certainty to measure right and wrong. Therefore, its citizens are left to the whims of politicians. Governments created by fallen men always fall … however, there is another government that never will.
Application
Isaiah 9:6 reminds us of the good news! “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given; and the government will rest on His shoulders.” Think about it … This rich truth reminds us that we are under a different, eternal government that will never change! He continues: “There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace.”
Hebrews reminds us that “in these last days, God will speak to us in His Son”… In other words, our government (the government of the Kingdom people) is led by the King of Kings, the Messiah Himself.
Be reminded today that even though we struggle with a country’s government in disarray and conflict, this is not our primary government. We were sent here to influence individuals caught in the web of confusion and sin.
I look forward to the day He returns to execute the final political solution that will truly bring peace, but until then, we come under the greatest government ever, one that is led by the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, our Eternal Father, the Prince of Peace!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are our only hope for peace. I am so glad you reminded us today that Your government has no expiration date! May the governing of my life be on Your shoulders and not in Washington … because then, and only then, can I experience a growing peace amid a shaky nation.
Sign up to receive Pastor Wayne's devotions daily
