God has repeatedly emphasized in His word that a union of church and state will be disastrous to those who seek to mix the toxic brew. The reasons for this is clear, because the principles, and the methods of worldly kingdoms are diametrically, and diabolically opposed to God’s kingdom and therefore, because two can’t walk together unless they be agreed, one will succumb to the next, sooner or later.
This is the reason why early on in the establishment of the Jewish nation, The Lord declared that Israel is not to be reckoned amongst the nations; meaning that they were to be governed under different laws, and a different Ruler, than the surrounding nations. This in turn would present a marked contrast, in so much that the heathen nations would come asking about the wisdom of the God of Israel. Let’s read:
Numbers 23: 9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.
Deuteronomy 4: 5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely, this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
But in our day, there are efforts underway to try to force a union between church-craft, and state-craft, and thus, according to the Bible, such a union would ultimately culminate in the mark of the beast, by which a particular form of false worship will first be urged, and then forced upon the masses of people. Throughout the ages, all the kingdoms of this world have come upon the stage of action through the use of force, bribery, fraud, and wheeling and dealing, a fact that is manifested in sacred and secular history, and is described in the Bible as the boisterous winds which have strife as their main component.
Poisoning was often employed by would-be rulers, hence the reason why cup-bearers were so crucial to the very existence of kings. That’s why pharaoh had to hang his chief baker in the days of Joseph, and in other instances kings would be assassinated by their own family and friends. All of these occurrences and methods have been recorded in the scriptures. Let’s read:
2nd Chronicles 32:1 After these things, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself. 17 He wrote also letters to rail on the Lord God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people out of mine hand. 21 And the Lord sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So, he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.
2nd Kings 9:30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. 32 And he lifted up his face to the window and said, Who is on my side? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs. 33 And he said, Throw her down. So, they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.
Thus, in most instances, the principles and methods of the kingdoms of this world are at great odds with God’s kingdom. God employs truth, while men use lies. God offers forgiveness, the rulers of this world employ revenge. God uses love, while rulers employ hatred. Rulers indulge greed, while God encourages contentedness, Kings foster pride, contrary to that humility which God enjoins. Then there is the use of force, versus gentleness, and self-centeredness versus otherhood.
That’s why Jesus stated unequivocally that His kingdom is not of this world, else would His servants fight. In fact, there’s a trend that is now snowballing in very many countries across the world, where rulers have, by their principles and methods, bankrupted countries. Venezuela has one of the world’s largest reserves of oil, and yet the economy has been brought to ruins by the ruling classes.
Doctor Eric Williams, who once ruled the oil-rich countries of Trinidad, and Tobago once boasted that he could give to every citizen a million dollars cash and still have plenty of reserves. But alas, even Trinidad is now straddled with debt, in the amount of 10.15 billion U.S dollars as of 2018. Hence the reason why God cautions against trying to mingle religion with politics, for persons would often be brought into difficult situations that would seem to make compromising godly principles, the only option on the table.
If a person does not have sterling character that is rooted in Christ, he or she will be forced to compromise, sooner or later, for tremendous pressure will be brought to bear on any who refuse to bow. When satan offered to Christ the kingdoms of this world, he did so on the condition that Christ would “bow”, meaning that in some way, fashion or form, Jesus will have to compromise righteous principles, to procure fame, fortune and glory. And that’s why the following passages of scripture are all the more important, as we’re now heading into un-chartered waters, according to Revelation. Let’s read:
John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (The answer is no)
2nd Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Thus, the Bible vividly portrays some of the pitfalls that would certainly occur, whenever religion, and politics are mingled. There will be great pressure to depart from the great principles of righteousness, and if one refuses, then revenge and back-stabbing will be the result. Standing for right can cost a man his position; but yielding to pressure to do wrong is often rewarded with promotion.
This is what Balak, the king of the Moabites tried to do through Balaam, who was once a true prophet of God. Satan, through Balak offered to Balaam some of the kingdoms of this world, on condition that he bow to political pressure to curse God’s people. He then proposed promotions, great financial rewards, and honor as the inducements for Balaam to depart from the strict path of integrity. Let’s read:
Numbers 22:16 And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me. 17 For I will promote thee unto very great honor, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people. 18 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.
Those same political pressures were also brought to bear on another prophet but with a totally different outcome. The king of Israel had surrounded himself with yes-men who would approve anything the king desired, regardless of whether it was good or evil. Their main motivations for doing anything the king would ask, was money, position and power. Not one of them would say anything contrary to what the king desired, and thus they became mere puppets instead of honest advisors.
Even when the nation was at grave risk, and the king’s existence was in danger, they would say yes, and therefore, by choosing policy over principle, the king himself was brought to an untimely demise. As we review the case study in question, very grave and important lessons would be highlighted, so that we may understand our responsibility to stand for the right under all circumstances. When a professed Christian is called by God to serve in political arenas let them understand clearly the responsibilities that go along with such a calling, because their faith will be severely shaken and tried. Let’s read:
[1] The Problem Of Yes-Men.
1st kings 22:2 And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. 4 And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramoth-gilead? 6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
These prophets were the king’s so-called advisors, who, being on his payroll, were expected to always agree with the king’s wishes. But being a yes-man is a dangerous thing, because one’s scruples and one’s better judgement will inevitably be sacrificed on the altar of fame, fortune, and power. True Christians are commanded by God to stand for righteousness, even if there are dire consequences in store.
In other words, choosing to do right should not be based on any guarantee of protection, favor or reward. We must do right simply because it is the right thing to do. The results are to be left in God’s hands, but one’s stand for righteous principles must be unwavering under all circumstances, regardless of the fallout.
[2] We should not hate truth because we may not agree with it.
1st Kings 22:7 And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him? 8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.
Against the numerous timeservers in Ahab’s service only one prophet was true to truth, and duty. Thus, we must not expect those who stand for right to be in the majority; they will always be the minority, for it is easier to go with the flow downstream, where vacillating timeservers often converge, than to swim upstream where sterling character and backbone is needed. Throughout sacred and secular history, it is those who live by principle who are in the minority, and thus it will ever be.
The truth may not always be agreeable to us, and in certain instances, it may even cause us some level of discomfort. However, it is the truth, and the way we our react to it is what makes all the difference. One should not be opposed to fact or truth, for our only safety is in reacting positively to it. After the resurrection of Lazarus was streamed live in the days of Christ, those who had conditioned their minds to hate truth became bewildered by the facts, and instead of humbling their hearts before God, they sought to stone both Christ and Lazarus. It is therefore a dangerous thing to hate truth, or to hate the messenger of truth. Let’s read:
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Isaiah 30:9 This is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord. 10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.
2nd timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned unto fables.
[3] Political pressure to do wrong must always be resolutely resisted.
1st Kings 22: 9 Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah. 13 And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spoke unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them and speak that which is good. 14 And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak.
Political pressure to do wrong is what drove Pilate to deliver Jesus to be crucified, because he saw that his position and power would be endangered, if he were to follow the voice of conscience. Even after his own wife warned him to the contrary, because of a dream she presently received, the prospect of losing his status as governor caused him to buckle, and thus he sold his soul for position. Let’s read:
Matthew 27:17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. 19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas and destroy Jesus.
John 19: 12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.
In the case of Micaiah versus the other 400 yes-men we see that a true Christian makes a deliberate, and firm decision to speak and deal truthfully. Popular, majority opinions are often found to be contrary to the wisdom of God, and even though all of Ahab’s advisors supported him in what he desired, yet the Bible commands us not to follow in their footsteps, for God has not called us to be popular but rather to be peculiar. Let’s read:
Exodus 23:2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment.
1st Peter 2: 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
[4] There is the possibility of revenge, for doing right.
1st Kings 22:15 And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? 17 And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace. 26 And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city. 27 And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction.
We are living in an age where it is becoming more and more dangerous to stand for the truth, and for righteousness. Lifestyles, and marriages which are forbidden, and practices which the Bible proscribes cannot be spoken against today, without possibility of retribution, revenge, and monetary boycott. When John told Herod that it was unlawful to have his brother’s wife because that was an “alternative” lifestyle, both were deeply offended, and Herodias then and there sought to revenge herself for those truths spoken by John.
Potiphar’s wife sought to put young Joseph in jail, as revenge for him not bowing to the romantic rendezvous she had proposed. Jezebel sought revenge on Elijah, after he signally dismantled the false forms of worship that had led Israel astray, and Nebuchadnezzar sought revenge on the three Hebrew worthies, by throwing them into the fire, because they would not succumb to political pressure to bow down to a graven image.
Thus, contrary to the easy-going type of Christianity that’s popular today, the Bible teaches us that there will be revenge, sought upon those who take a firm stand for right. That cross-less type of Christianity, which chooses the easy way out will go up in flames when political and religious pressure, with revenge, is instituted in the final conflict. According to the Bible, tremendous pressure will be brought to bear on all, to adopt principles and laws that are diabolically opposed to Christ.
Therefore, it is during this fearful struggle between good and evil that the truly righteous will shine forth as the sun, for they will not bowing for any reason. As we end, it is of critical importance that we should understand the grave import of what is now passing before our very eyes. The clouds of disturbance and tumult are already on the horizon and everyone will be forced to choose between right and wrong, good and evil.
Let’s start now, by doing that which is right in any and every situation because, by the grace of God, practice will make perfect. We therefore end with a quote, coming from the pen of inspiration that is relevant and pertinent to that which is currently transpiring in high and low places across the land. Let’s read:
[Education pp 38>39] “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.”
God Bless!