“To the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, when you heard how I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord.” 2 Kings 22:18-19
Government can play a major role in revival. It can be easy to ignore the government’s place in spiritual awakening. But a careful reading of Scripture indicates that this ignorance is wrong. God used government throughout history as a catalyst for revival and as a picture of His righteous justice. Look at many of the kings in the Old Testament, like Josiah, who were used of God to spark revival and bless their land. Look at pagan kings who encouraged their nations to follow the Lord after being warned by prophets like Jonah. Government has a major impact on the spiritual health of a nation.
What is a revived government? A revived government is one that is full of Spirit-filled leaders who are righteously punishing evil and praising good (Rom. 13). A revived government would more closely reflect the justice of God to the community. A government that is reflecting God’s justice can be an important tool in pointing people to a righteous Savior who bore the just punishment for sin on the cross.
How can we encourage revival in government? God did not intend for us to ignore one of His institutions because it is broken, or because it is difficult to make a difference. However, He did call us to pray for our leaders (I Tim. 2:2). We should be praying for the spiritual health of our leaders on a regular basis both in corporate and personal prayer. We should seek capable leaders who are honest, God fearing, and who hate covetousness (Exodus 18:21). We should vote for godly leaders even if that means going outside of the most popular political parties. And finally we should consider participating in government ourselves at all levels, with a righteous understanding of its role.
If Christians fail to see government as a God ordained institution that can experience the transforming effects of spiritual revival in leadership then it will continue to fall short of its God-ordained duties and will instead be a catalyst for evil and injustice. It’s time we as Christians focused on reviving all three of God’s institutions, the home, the church, AND the government.
by Nathan Oppman
Prayer: Father, we ask that would give our nation’s leaders hearts that recognize you as the Lord. May they return to you wholeheartedly and lead the nation in the way of humility and repentance for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.