ISAIAH 60:12

CONTEXT: Matthew Henry breaks down this portion of scripture as follows: 60:9-14 God will be very gracious. We must begin with his promise, thence all mercies take rise. Many shall be brought into the church, even from far countries. Christ is always ready to receive all who come to him; and the gate of mercy is always open, night and day. All that are about the church shall be made serviceable to it. But those who will not be subject to Christ’s golden sceptre, to his word and Spirit, who will not be kept in by the laws and rules of his family, shall be broken in pieces by his iron rod. The peculiar advantages of every nation, and of every description of men, shall join to beautify the church of Christ. We must suppose this to be accomplished in the beauties of holiness, and the graces and comforts of the Spirit, with which gospel ordinances are adorned and enriched. Blessed be his name, the gates of Zion are ever open to returning sinners.

Wayward rulers are not a new phenomenon as John Knox’s in his quote below skillfully scolded the Scottish Nobility in 1558.

The same plagues shall fall upon you, be you assured, if ye refuse the defense of his servants that call for your support. My words are sharp, but consider, my Lords, that they are not mine, but that they are the threatenings of the Omnipotent, who assuredly will perform the voices of his Prophets, how that ever carnal men despise his admonitions. The sword of God’s wrath is already drawn, which of necessity must needs strike, when grace offered is obstinately refused. You have been long in bondage of the Devil; blindness, error, and idolatry prevailing against the simple truth of God in that your realm, in which God hath made you Princes and Rulers

The Appellation by John Knox

Christians have a choice, we can bemoan and complain about the state of affairs in our government leadership, or we can first acknowledge God’s sovereignty in all things. Second, as with Knox, we can get involved, note how Knox puts forth his Appellation in THE SPIRIT OF RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT. He is not condemning so much as pointing out errors. Finally and most importantly we must PRAY!

Pray for all who are Employed in the Conduct of Public Affairs