“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” (Proverbs 29:2)
The Bible is apolitical in a sense because God is the sovereign King of the Universe. That scripture above is very interesting. The righteous are righteous not because they want to be in authority. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.
The question is: How do they get into authority? Most born again will answer: ‘God puts them in authority’.
But that verse also says that but when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn.
My question again: How do the wicked get to bear rule? Most born again will answer: ‘The devil put them into authority’.
As for the righteous to be in authority, obviously if installed by God then He could have answered some prayers of some believers. The question arises, ‘Where would God be when the devil is putting the wicked in places of authority?’
If it were true that it is God who puts righteous leaders in authority then that verse has no meaning at all. I know this sounds controversial. That scripture is telling us that it is not God or the devil that appoint leaders in the affairs of men. But I have heard preachers say when a leader is righteous or good that God brought so and so into leadership. If it’s a wicked a leader, they say that the devil brought him. Both statements are lies.
There are countries which know nothing about God or the Bible. There are over 50 countries which banned the Bible. Is this the same God who appoints leaders in democratically governed Bible believing countries that appoints dictators in dictatorial states? All authority comes from God but the occupants come from human systems and establishments not God. They are His instruments and tools just like the donkey that spoke to prophet Balaam.
A political establishment of righteous people will produce a righteous ruler. A political establishment of wicked people will produce a wicked ruler.
Pray for the leaders.
Mutukiriza Hanning is lead pastor of Kampala Bible Revelation Church – Uganda.
