God is present in every council of those gathered to legislate and to lead. He is a silent witness to the actions of men; He hears every word; and, He understands exhaustively the motives of the heart. God does not take lightly the stewardship of ruling. He expects the authority he has given to men to be exercised righteously and this expectation extends to all “who bear the sword.”

David, the king of Israel, penned these words under the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit. “He that ruleth over men must be just ruling in the fear of God” (2 Samuel 23:3). Those who hold positions of authority do so at the prerogative and purpose of God. They serve at his prerogative because God is ultimately responsible for their appointment. No man (or woman) comes to any office at their own doing. The prophet Daniel records, “he [God] changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings” (Daniel 2:21). He later adds, “the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men” (Daniel 4:17).

Those in authority serve according to the purpose of God. The Scriptures teach “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1). God has given mankind government to restrain evil and accommodate that which is good. Paul explains this further. “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?

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