Foundations of a great nation: Part 1 Dt 4:5-8

“See, I have taught you statutes and judgments just as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do thus in the land where you are entering to possess it. So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him? Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?” (Deuteronomy 4:5-8)

Great nations are built upon the foundational stone of God’s providential involvement in their history and continued existence. Any biblical foundation for governance must include an acceptance and acknowledgment of God and His continued role and involvement in the life of a nation. Unfortunately, many nations today have become increasingly secular and many have sought to expunge all references of God and religion from the daily discourse and operation of their governmental structures. Increasingly, In the United States of America, those seeking to be elected or appointed to public office and who hold to strong religious convictions and faith are held up to extreme scrutiny to determine if they will be able to govern without being influenced by their religion or religious beliefs. This trend towards secularism is to the detriment of the nation and its continued existence. There are three main reasons why an acknowledgement of God is critical in the formation of a government.

The Limitations of Government: Many of the problems faced by nations are beyond the reach of government to solve. Government cannot, and should not, solve all the problems of a nation. One of the failed promises of communism is that, if the people would sacrifice and serve the state, then the state would take care of their needs. The communist system promised cradle-to-grave care from the state, a promise that the state was not able to keep. Even though communism has failed throughout the world, there are still movements within many nations to extend the reach of government in an attempt to solve various social ills within the nation.

Many of the problems facing nations are not governmental in nature; they are problems that arise from a failure of morality, faith, and social conscience. These problems cannot be solved by governmental intervention of government programs, their solutions must be sought in the familial and religious structures within a nation. By acknowledging God, a nation and its government acknowledge its limitations and its dependence on God for the prosperity and health of the nation and its people.

Naaman was the captain of the army of Aram, but he was also a leper. In an attempt to be healed of his leprosy, the king of Aram sent a letter on Naaman’s behalf to the king of Israel. “And now as this letter comes to you, behold, I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” (2 Kings 5:6) This greatly alarmed the king of Israel. “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man is sending word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? But consider now, and see how he is seeking a quarrel against me.” (2 Kings 5:7) Fortunately, Elisha heard of Naaman’s request and offered to see Naaman and to heal him. “Why have you torn your clothes? Now let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.” (2 Kings 5:8) The king of Israel realized that, though he may be king, he wasn’t God. Any nation that desires to be great must first embrace this truth. All those who govern may have power to govern, but they are still not God.

More to come… David Robison

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