God has purposes He will accomplish in countless ways. One of these was a surprise to me: the seemingly incompetence of government. I am not suggesting decisions which are proved inept or foolish have God as a cause, but there is often a correlation between rebelling against God and people being afraid, confused, perverse, deluded, and deceived.
See what God said concerning Egypt before the Babylonians defeated Assyria and Egypt in Isaiah 19:12-14: "Where are they? Where are your wise men? Let them tell you now, and let them know what the LORD of hosts has purposed against Egypt. 13 The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also deluded Egypt, those who are the mainstay of its tribes. 14 The LORD has mingled a perverse spirit in her midst; and they have caused Egypt to err in all her work, as a drunken man staggers in his vomit." This is not a pretty picture. God determined to mingle and perverse spirit in Egypt, and "they" caused Egypt to "err in all her work."
Remarkable how God brought the folly of nations and rulers upon their own heads! They would not fear God, so they would fear enemies who were mightier than they. A drunken man staggering in his vomit is a horrendous simile of the ineptitude of the governors and advisers because of the mingled spirits in their midst. How dependant this fate should make God's people upon Him - though we live in nations filled with confusion, perversion, and deception. A drunk man struggles to remain alert and even balance to stand, and pride brings the same result upon perfectly sane people today. Intoxicated with wealth, fame, and power, confusion and ineptitude reign.
How this brings to life the spiritual forces at work in the world today as spoken by Paul in Ephesians 6:10-12: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." It is easy to point fingers at politicians, but who can oppose the perverse spirits of wickedness in the world without Jesus Christ? He is the One who gives the Holy Spirit to guard, empower, and help believers. Without God we would be completely without wisdom or discernment in the most basic details.
Praise the LORD He is good and His mercy endures forever! There is hope for the nations and people today - not in better legislation, policies, or programs - but through the fear of God and obedience to Him. It is not against flesh and blood we wrestle, but often against powers we cannot recognise without God's aid. Without the wisdom and strength of God we too would err in all. Only God provides the defence we need, the ability to walk in victory, and the light of His wisdom, love, and grace.
See what God said concerning Egypt before the Babylonians defeated Assyria and Egypt in Isaiah 19:12-14: "Where are they? Where are your wise men? Let them tell you now, and let them know what the LORD of hosts has purposed against Egypt. 13 The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also deluded Egypt, those who are the mainstay of its tribes. 14 The LORD has mingled a perverse spirit in her midst; and they have caused Egypt to err in all her work, as a drunken man staggers in his vomit." This is not a pretty picture. God determined to mingle and perverse spirit in Egypt, and "they" caused Egypt to "err in all her work."
Remarkable how God brought the folly of nations and rulers upon their own heads! They would not fear God, so they would fear enemies who were mightier than they. A drunken man staggering in his vomit is a horrendous simile of the ineptitude of the governors and advisers because of the mingled spirits in their midst. How dependant this fate should make God's people upon Him - though we live in nations filled with confusion, perversion, and deception. A drunk man struggles to remain alert and even balance to stand, and pride brings the same result upon perfectly sane people today. Intoxicated with wealth, fame, and power, confusion and ineptitude reign.
How this brings to life the spiritual forces at work in the world today as spoken by Paul in Ephesians 6:10-12: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." It is easy to point fingers at politicians, but who can oppose the perverse spirits of wickedness in the world without Jesus Christ? He is the One who gives the Holy Spirit to guard, empower, and help believers. Without God we would be completely without wisdom or discernment in the most basic details.
Praise the LORD He is good and His mercy endures forever! There is hope for the nations and people today - not in better legislation, policies, or programs - but through the fear of God and obedience to Him. It is not against flesh and blood we wrestle, but often against powers we cannot recognise without God's aid. Without the wisdom and strength of God we too would err in all. Only God provides the defence we need, the ability to walk in victory, and the light of His wisdom, love, and grace.
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