January 19 - Genesis 8-11
Genesis chapter 9 begins a new dispensation - the Dispensation of Human Government. After the flood, humanity dwelt on a cleansed earth - one family, one altar, and one covenant. The old world perished because of man’s wickedness, but now, through Noah, God begins again. With a new beginning, God gave humanity a new stewardship. Man was given responsibility to govern, restrain evil, and preserve life under divine authority. It was more than a covenant with one man; it is the foundation of civilization itself, the birth of law and order under divine control.
Government originated with God, not man. Human government is the means that God uses to restrain evil in a fallen world. Government works best when it acknowledges God’s power and authority over it. Romans 13:1 reads, “For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” All authority comes from God and He holds everyone in authority accountable. When men rule justly, they reflect the justice of God; when they rule wickedly, they will be held accountable by God.
The problem we see with human government is man’s imperfect stewardship of it. There are many examples throughout history of evil governments and failed governments. The Bible records examples of abuse of government. For example, in Egypt, Pharaoh used government to enslave God’s people. Just like God warned, most of Israel’s kings ruled wickedly - worshipping idols, exploiting the poor, and forsaking justice. In the New Testament, Rome maintained civil order through conquest, and heavy taxation.
The sanctity of human life is the moral foundation of society. Man bears God’s image, therefore, to harm human life in any form is to assault God’s creation and character. We must uphold the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. As Christians we must be pro-life. Being pro-life is not merely a political stance; it is a theological and moral conviction grounded in biblical truth.
All human governments are temporary and imperfect. We look forward to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, when He will establish His Kingdom on earth. According to Isaiah 9:6-7, “And the government will be upon His shoulder - Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” Only under the righteous rule of Jesus Christ will government finally reflect God’s holiness, justice, and mercy without corruption or failure. Even so come Lord Jesus!