Self-Rule

Around the world, many large nations are under pressure from ethnic or tribal minorities within their borders. Kosovo recently declared independence from Serbia. Kenya is torn by tribal rivalries over disputed election results. Chechnya desires freedom from Russian control. The Basque people of Spain want to be separate from Madrid's oversight.

But will any of these peoples truly be happier and better off going their own way? Will they be able to provide themselves a better government and a better life than what they are leaving behind?

In the motion picture, The Patriot, Benjamin Martin (played by Mel Gibson) addressed the South Carolina legislature during a debate over separation from England. "Why should I trade a tyrant 2,000 miles away, for 2,000 tyrants one mile away?" Martin asked. He feared the potential tyranny of unknown new rulers as much as he feared King George III in London. Indeed, how many "freedom" movements have thrown off colonial rule, only to find themselves oppressed and enslaved by the leaders who were supposed to set them free?

The question is not, "Which form of government is best for a nation?" The question should be, "Will any humanly devised government ever rule wisely for the benefit of all the people?" Though new governments may begin with high ideals, history shows that politics and self-interest will eventually corrupt the best of intentions.

People deserve the governments they elect. Although the United States was founded as a republic, and now functions in many ways as a democracy, it may be in danger of sliding into dictatorship as geopolitical economic and social turmoil unfolds. Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt each took on extraordinary powers in times of war and economic upheaval. We have seen this happen in Russia, where Vladimir Putin – elected as a democrat – has increasingly reverted to a dictatorship reminiscent of the old Soviet Union.

This is an old pattern; the French Revolution removed a decadent monarchy, but replaced it with Napoleon Bonaparte who bathed Europe in blood for 20 years. In the last century, communist governments in the Soviet Union, China and Cambodia promised to bring prosperity and social harmony to their peoples, yet presided over the deaths of scores of millions of their own citizens. In short, history is replete with examples of man's inhumanity to man, even in the name of "bettering" the lives of others. Human beings have shown their inability to rule over themselves.

Good, clean, righteous government is in our future – but it will not be elected. God will give it to us! "But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:25-28).

When the Messiah soon returns, the nations of this world will become subject to the Government of God, for their own good, whether they like it at first or not! "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this" (Isaiah 9:6-7).

To learn more about this exciting new world order that will finally bring the peace and prosperity human government has failed to achieve, read our exciting booklet, Do You Believe the True Gospel?