We ought to obey God rather than wicked men in leadership

11.FEB.11

Editor: Mr. Joel Jack has allowed himself to be the right hand helper of Satan in seeking to mislead the good people of the land with regards to their responsibilities as Christians and the responsibility of the Government. Clearly he does not understand that the mandate of leaders are given from a just and righteous God who expects nothing less from those who take up leadership of any people.{{more}} The thirteenth chapter of the book of Romans outlines the responsibility of the government. The ruler is not a terror to the good works, but to the evil …for he is a minister of God for good, but if thou do that which is evil be afraid, for he beareth not his sword in vain. This beautiful scripture verse outlines beautifully how a government ought to be towards its citizens.

The chapter also says let every soul be subject unto the higher power. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. And therefore we must not resist the power. When I consider what Spiros Zodiates Th.D word study dictionary shows, he referred to the Greek word for resisteth-anti (against) ta’sso-(to arrange) to set an army in array against. In other words Paul is saying that whosoever set up an army to battle against a leader resisteth the ordinance of God. However Mr. Jack is misleading the people by giving the impression that a Christian cannot rebuke, criticize or resist the wrongs that a government does. This is far from the truth since our God given fundamental rights and freedoms are given for the preservation of our lives and freedom and for our happiness in this life.

There is no scriptural evidence that show that a Christian should accept the wrong of any leader, neither is there any evidence that any Christian should just (or only) pray. If that is so, then no Christian should vote because this is a legitimate method of resisting an oppressive government. If Mr. Jack takes heed to the scriptures he would see : Psalm 72:2 “a Leader shall judge his people with righteousness, and the poor with judgement”, that “it is an abomination for a king to commit wickedness for his throne is established in righteousness” proverbs 16:12, that “when the righteous are in authority the people rejoice and when the wicked beareth rule the people mourn” proverbs 29:2 and “as a roaring lion, and a raging bear , so the wicked ruleth over the poor people, and a prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor.” proverbs 28:15

King Ahab ruled for 22 years and we are told that he did great evil in the eyes of the Lord. One of the many evils is seen where he allowed his wife to conspire the death of Naboth because he (Naboth) refused to give or sell his land to the king. This is tyrannical behavior. The Lord instructed Elijah to go and warn Ahab to let him know of his wrong and to let him know the curse that he brought upon himself for oppressing the people.

“Among the Christian exile who first fled to America and sought an asylum from royal oppression and priestly intolerance were many who was determined to establish a government upon the broad foundation of civil and religious liberties” The Great Controversy pg. 246. Are we not to obey God rather than man? Why should we not safeguard our rights and the rights of our fellowmen, when leaders become abusive to these rights? We should have nothing to say and have the people’s blood upon our shoulders? Christianity is not stupidity Mr. Jack!

Karima Parris