Righteous Rule
This morning Paul Irwin and I took off at 4:30 a.m. to get him to the airport for an early morning flight to D.C. I returned home and after a while, went back to bed to get caught up on some rest. Later in the day I went to Greeley to participate in a radio interview. This evening are some local candidate forums that I will attend.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “God, give Your justice to the king and Your righteousness to the king’s son. He will judge Your people with righteousness and Your afflicted ones with justice. May the mountains bring prosperity to the people and the hills, righteousness. May he vindicate the afflicted among the people, help the poor, and crush the oppressor.” Psalm 72:1-4 HCSB
This prayer of David’s was not just for himself, but his son Solomon who would follow him on his throne. Our world and government today is different from the monarchies of old. But in these few verses and in the entirety of the psalm are some insights into godly or righteous rule.
Even though governments and governmental structures change, there are some divine principles that transcend time and order. Two words, “justice” and “righteousness” are the foundation to any government system. Justice has to do with “fairness” and the execution of laws in a way that punishes wrong doers and rewards those who follow the laws. Even in our world today, the “innocent suffer for the guilty.” Instead of holding the guilty accountable, many laws end up creating additional burdens on those who are following the rules and conducting themselves and their business properly.
Righteousness involves doing the “right thing, for the right reasons.” The highest standard is to be “right” in God’s eyes. Often the laws of man, run contrary to the righteousness of God. When that happens a society and the people suffer the consequences. Doing “right” and being “right” are both important for solid governance.
Righteous governance means looking out for and defending the oppressed and bringing the weight of power against the oppressor. It is important for victims, not to be victimized by the system that is set up to punish the oppressor. Too often in our world today, we see that happening.
Righteous government is willing to help those who are oppressed and to bring assistance to those who “can’t help themselves” until they are restored to a position of productivity. The call is to “…vindicate the afflicted among the people, help the poor, and crush the oppressor.”
When this happens it not only brings peace and stability to people’s lives but prosperity. Economic development is found in moral development and the exercise of justice and righteousness. Solomon reminds us, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7 ESV) I believe the same is the reward of righteous government. When Solomon ruled as a wise and righteous King, the nation enjoyed unprecedented peace and prosperity. When he turned his back on the Lord, all that began to unravel.
God’s Word provides a road map, that if followed in principle even in our day, can bring the blessings of the Lord and blessings for people.