Isaiah 33:22 For the LORD is our judge,
the LORD is our lawgiver,
the LORD is our king;
it is he who will save us.

When I read this just now, my immediate thought was that this is what American Christians need to be proclaiming. America was founded on what were intended at the time to be Christian, Biblical principles. It was recognized at the time that human beings are fallible, so a system of checks and balances was instated. Today, when that system seems to have fallen apart in a number of instances, American believers need to come back to what is stated in this verse. It is very thorough, covering the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of government and stating that the Lord is to be in charge of each. Lots of people look to the government to save them, from one problem or another, but this verse reminds us that it is God who will save us. Our focus needs to be on the Lord. In terms of politics and the government, we need to be seeking God-fearing people of good character to fill each post, whether elected or appointed. If the three branches of government, and the bureaucracy, were filled with such people, we would have a very different nation indeed, and every difference would be good!

Like everyone else, I am faced with human imperfection, both in myself and in those I deal with on any level. That’s why Paul’s instructions in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 are so important. Everyone needs prayer! I am often disgusted at the behavior of those in government on all levels, but I occasionally see shining good examples. I’m to pray that the good examples be strengthened, and their number increase, and that those who don’t meet that standard be brought to repentance. Many in government deal with money and all deal with authority, and both of those can be very strong temptations to corruption. I am to pray that with each temptation, each person would have the strength of character to take the way of escape that God provides. (1 Corinthians 10:13) I recognize that far from everyone, perhaps even few, in government have any sort of commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord. I am to pray for their salvation, and that those who do know Christ would share the Gospel with those around them as the Lord gives opportunity, so that the cleansing wind of the Holy Spirit would blow on every level.

Father, thank You for this verse. I had never realized that any verse in the Bible specifically laid out the three branches of government. Help me indeed be faithful to pray. Raise up many more to pray as well, so that indeed Your Name may be hallowed and Your kingdom come, as Your will is done for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!