“Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression,” (Isaiah 10:1, ESV)
To pronounce a woe upon anyone is a frightening proposition when God speaks it. This is because it speaks of a future pending judgment. That is the case here as it pertains to the legislators of Israel. Those whom God has placed in the area of legislating over a nation have a serious responsibility with both national and personal consequences. The word, “iniquitous,” is a word that refers to troubling wickedness. Those who establish laws that endorse evil face the judgment of God.
I know that many of us are concerned about the upcoming elections. In fact, I think that many are fearful for our country due to the way we see things are going. I received a phone call one time from a woman who was panic stricken over the possibility of someone being elected who would further degrade the biblical moral standards of the nation. Others have fears that officials will increase entitlements, multiplying an already out of control national debt, which could cause an economic meltdown of worldwide scope. Still others are fearful that the government may reduce or eliminate the entitlements offered, affecting the quality of life for some. This is a fearful time for many.
We might think that only the legislators in the congress fit this verse since they write the laws of the land. This is not so. In our country, we have three branches of government that deal with legislation. While the legislative branch writes the laws, the executive branch pushes the agenda and signs the legislation into law. Our judicial branch has often expanded its role from constitutionally adjudicating the laws enacted, to legislative reinterpretation. In short, all of our governmental officials have a responsibility under God, whether they realize it or not.
My point here is not to get into the political debate. It is to get you to stop obsessing over the election. Yes, I too believe that those we empower to legislate may make legislation that is contrary to the Bible. Moreover, the electorate will choose leaders that suit their own moral predisposition. Yes, choices that oppose the ways of God carry with it national consequences. Yet I believe that God gives the nation the leaders He desires for His purposes and His ways are higher than ours are.
However, as it pertains to our governing officials, remember that God says, “Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees.” God is not blind to what is going on. Those who govern and are responsible for enacting laws that are contrary to the Bible will someday be held accountable for this. The Lord has this under control.
In addition, consider this. Despite what went on in the Nation of Israel, God was not done with them. He has a plan for His people. He always considers His remnant and watches over them. Today, the true church is His remnant. He watches over and cares for us, and regardless of what our nation legislates, He has a plan for us. We must not walk in fear but in courageous confidence, realizing that God is sovereign. He always has been and always will be.
Renewing the Heart 