God Over Government

The Lord caused the Egyptians to think well of them, and the Egyptians gave the people everything they asked for. So the Israelites took rich gifts from them. The Israelites traveled from Rameses to Succoth. There were about six hundred thousand men walking, not including the women and children. (Ex. 12:36-37) NCV I. God is the God of the Kings of This Earth The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. (Pro. 21:1 NIV) • Cyrus, the king of Persia. Ezra 1:1, Is.45:4 • Daniel and the Babylonian official Dan.1:9 • Nehemiah and King Artaxerxes. Neh. 1:11,24 • The Jews and their prayer pilgrimage. Ex. 34:23-24 • “O Lord, God of our Fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.” (2 Chron. 20:6 NIV) • II. We place our trust in the sovereignty of God. • First of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim.2:1-4 NIV) • There is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...for is God’s servant to do you good. (Rom. 13:1,4) • If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chron. 7:14 NIV)