God Can Move through Governmental Decisions

David W Palmer

Times had been very testing for Joseph because of Mary’s mysterious pregnancy out of wedlock. However, he had assumed responsibility for Mary and the baby because an angel spoke to him in a dream. Life must have already been challenging for Joseph—especially socially; and he would have been protective of his fledgling family, trying to set up a safe and comfortable home—one suitable for raising children. But astonishingly, the government in Rome announced a very disruptive decision—for their own reasons. This was easy for Caesar living miles away in his palace in Rome. But for Joseph and Mary, this was a seeming nightmare; they would have to radically alter their plans, and make the arduous and dangerous trip to Bethlehem. Under normal circumstances, this would have been a gruelling undertaking; but to complicate matters, Mary was “with child”:

(Luke 2:1, 3–5 NKJV) And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ... {3} So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. {4} Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, {5} to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

Joseph had no option but to submit to the government’s decision. Yet, despite the insensitivity, the hardship, the effort, and the seeming rejection upon arrival, God used this governmental decree to bring to pass his will; he had prophesied centuries earlier that his son would be born in Bethlehem:

(Matthew 2:4–6 NLT) He (King Herod) called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” {5} “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote: {6} ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

God needed Joseph and Mary to be in Bethlehem for the birth. But this time, instead of speaking to them by the angel, he chose to do it through the government. This is a very important point for us to learn. Writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul put it this way:

(Romans 13:1–2, 5 NLT) Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. (2) So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. ... (5) So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

This says that God has instituted the governments that rule over us. In our modern democracies, we feel it’s the voters—influenced by the media and the “politicking” of the candidates—who decide who governs. But God says that he has “placed” people in positions of authority. The Holy Spirit further says that instead of rebelling against them, we “must submit to them.” This seems reasonable when it comes to their road rules, free market legislation, and laws for the protection of families and citizens, etc. But what about their unwise decisions, and the laws that we don’t like? What do we do about them? According to certain passages in God’s word, his divine wisdom and infinite power are able to use what appears to be governmental mismanagement to bring about his purposes.

For example, in the Old Testament, Amaziah the king of Judah made an executive governmental decision that could have seemed all wrong to the godly people living under his rule. Even Joash, the king of Israel, gave him advice that would have seemed very wise and much better for his subjects, but he would not listen. Why?

(2 Chronicles 25:20, NKJV) But Amaziah would not heed, for it came from God, that He might give them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought the gods of Edom.

God used—or possibly even prompted—Amaziah’s decision on behalf of his subjects as an opportunity to bring correction to this unwise government and rebellious nation. Without prophetic insight from God, no one could have seen it at the time; but God knew what he was doing. We would be wise to simply trust that God knows what he is up to in our governments, our leaders, and our lives. Remember:

(Romans 8:28 NLT) And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Of late, our Western governments have been making some very anti-God decisions, and passing some unwise laws, etc. Yet, on the whole, the law of the land still serves its purpose in standing against crime, injustice, etc.; and our governments still provide protection, amenities, and infrastructure. But how should we respond to decisions made by governments, leaders, bosses, and parents that seem difficult for us, against our wisdom, and even anti-God? Let’s learn the lesson seen in Amaziah, Caesar, Joseph, and Mary; let’s fully realize how big and wise God really is. He is a genius; he really can work all things for good. He can even have purposes that transcend our daily, local, temporal convenience, and human wisdom. I believe we need to keep praising God, keep our eyes on Jesus, and simply do what he is telling us to do. Let’s leave the governing of the universe to him.

Today, maybe your boss, government, parents, or those in authority over you have made decisions that affect your future. Perhaps they are not at all sensitive, convenient, or seemingly wise decisions for you. However, just as he used it to get Jesus to the right place to be born in fulfillment of prophecy, God can use decisions made by others to get you into the center of his will for your life. You may be wondering why he didn’t send you an angel, or speak to you directly; but we cannot set the agenda when it comes to God’s chosen ways of operating. So whether it’s a job change, a shift in ministry role, or a forced move, God is, and can, work it for good. Remember:

(Psalm 37:23 NKJV) The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.

P.S. Bible examples such as Daniel and his three friends didn’t submit to government directives that were directly against God. The king directed the three Jewish men to do false worship or be put into the fire. They chose the fire. Daniel continued to pray to God when the king’s decree told him not to. He chose to be thrown to the lions rather than to obey the government above God. In Acts 4:17, 5:28, the rulers commanded the apostles not to speak or teach in Jesus’s name. They disobeyed because the rulers commanded them contrary to God’s instructions. But in areas where the government’s directives do not go directly against God’s word, we should do as the Bible says and be “subject” to them. But if they try to make us disobey God, they are simply not being God’s ministers for good—they themselves have become “a terror to good works”:

(Romans 13:1–7 NKJV) Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. {2} Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. {3} For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. {4} For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. {5} Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. {6} For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. {7} Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.