God’s Supremacy Over Rulers
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 40:23; 1 Samuel 2:6-10
He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
Isaiah points out the Lord’s supremacy over the government leaders of this world. They rise to power and seem unshakable, but they are eventually overthrown and replaced.
Where are the pharaohs of Egypt? Where is Sennacherib of Assyria? Where is Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon? Where is Cyrus of Persia? Where is Alexander the Great? Where are the caesars of Rome? Where are the dictators who ruled with an iron fist? Where are the judges who made the courts a place of injustice and oppression? They have all fallen and will fall.
The Lord himself is the one who reduces them to nothing. No political power can stand against the Lord’s sovereignty. No court, however respected, can annul God’s decrees. Human power is limited. The powerful people of this age will fall. All who exalt themselves and crush the defenseless with inhuman brutality will be torn from the earth and will perish.
God brings down the proud and exalts the humble. History shows that one empire on the earth will follow after another. Great kings and powerful generals and clever judges will fall. “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength” and “soar on wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31).
Sovereign Lord over all, you humble the proud and overthrow unjust powers. Teach us to trust in you, to defend the oppressed, and to wait on you with hope so that we may rise with renewed strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Hernandes Dias Lopes
Rev. Hernandes Dias Lopes is the Portuguese ministry leader for ReFrame Ministries. He also serves as director of Luz Para o Caminho (“Light for the Way”), an organization formed in partnership between ReFrame and the Presbyterian Church of Brazil. Rev. Lopes travels around the world to preach and teach the Bible. He and his wife, Udemilta (Tinha), live in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and have two children.
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