Our Powerful Friend
In yesterday’s GH15, I stated that “We must not underestimate the significance of those in positions of governmental authority honoring God on behalf of a nation. Like it or not, the actions of those in authority affect all of us. ‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn’ (Proverbs 29:2). Untold numbers of curses and judgments have been visited on entire nations through the decisions of government leaders. Roe vs Wade is but one example.
“But don’t forget the first half of the verse: ‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice!!!!’ God-honoring decisions by government leaders release the blessings of heaven on a nation. President Trump reading God’s Word over our nation released great power; his rededication and welcoming of God into our land Sunday were profoundly important. The heavens shifted over our nation on that day.”
The famous “If my people…” verse (2 Chronicles 7:14), read by our President recently and replayed at Sunday’s Rededication event, was first stated by God in response to a government leader, King Solomon’s prayer of dedication. His authority as the leader of the nation gave him the right to interact with God on behalf of the nation. Again, the prayers of our leaders are very significant. All of us present could sense a great weight on the prayer of Speaker Johnson this past Sunday.
America’s Constitution
The creation of the greatest constitution in world history was possible only because the delegates to the Continental Convention asked for God’s help in shaping it. The Americans had prevailed against the British, but were nearly defeated from within by very sharply divided opinions on how the new nation should be governed. State’s rights versus Federal power, fair representation for all states - especially those less populated, and other issues were creating great impasses. For days, they struggled with no breakthrough. Would the new nation survive?
There had been concern over these differences before the gathering even began, including by George Washington, president of the Convention. He was gravely concerned but indicated that he had placed his trust in God, stating to a friend at the beginning of the meeting, “…the event is in the hands of God.”(1)
Yet during the convention itself, the delegates neglected to corporately humble themselves and ask for God’s help. When the struggle reached a desperate point, Benjamin Franklin stood and referenced God’s “superintending providence” in bringing the nation to liberty: “To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?” he asked. “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth – that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?
“We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this, and I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building, no better than the builders of Babel…
“I, therefore, beg leave to move - that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of heaven, and its blessing on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.”(2) The request was approved, prayers were offered daily, breakthrough occurred, and our Constitution was born.
God not only wants government leaders to be prayed for, but He also wants government leaders to pray! The Lord desired to oversee the fashioning of our government, but He couldn’t do so until they prayed and asked. This past Sunday, leaders from both our Executive and Legislative branches asked for His help. And I’m very sure there were people from the Judicial branch praying throughout the nation. This was and will be honored.
People misinterpret - and some twist - the intent of the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment to the Constitution. It states in part, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” This is interpreted by many as meaning: Keep God out of our government. It is more than just ironic that the document they refer to was successfully written only by asking for His help; it is insane. Our Founders referenced God 4 times in the Declaration of Independence and sought His help daily as they wrote our Constitution. It is wise and right that we are asking for His aid in our government once again.
One final word about involving God in our nation. Looking at Israel in the Old Testament for examples shows us that their national days of rededication were not religious rituals, but rather days of relational connection. Our great God is our Father, Abba (Romans 8:14; Galatians 4:6). Our gracious Savior is our Friend (John 5:13-15). Father God wants His kids to partner with Him, not serve Him out of fear or cut deals to get His help. Our Redeemer wants His ekklesia to represent Him, sharing His authority. As Ben Franklin stated in the above appeal, He is our “powerful Friend”.
Selah - pause and consider that.
Pray with me:
Father, as we learn Your ways, our ability to work with You increases. Last Sunday, Heaven and earth met in a harmonious agreement, not only in Washington, D.C., but all across our land. I’m confident that it was a pleasure for You. You may have even done as Zephaniah declared: “Don’t let your heart be discouraged. Yahweh, your God, is inside you. He is the Warrior-Savior who takes such delight in you that it will make Him leap for joy and shout with great gladness. Yes, He will soothe you with His love. He will sing over you His song of praise” (Zephaniah 3:16-17).
The Message translation says: “Dear Zion, don’t despair. Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, He’ll calm you with His love and delight you with His songs.”
We sensed Your delight Sunday, “powerful Friend”; we felt Your embrace, Abba. Your prodigal nation is returning to You. Now, please expedite the restoration with a Third Great Awakening. Send the powerful wind of Holy Spirit to our land, and of course, to the nations of the earth. In Yeshua’s name, amen.
Our decree:
Our powerful Friend is helping us again, providing His “superintending providence.”
Click on the link below to watch the full video.
William Federer, America’s God and Country: Encyclopedia of Quotations, p. 654.
Ibid., pp. 248-249.