[December 21]
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice. Proverbs 29:2
OUR text can only have a partial application to
any kingdom of man during "this present evil world,"
of which Satan has attempted control as the prince
thereof.
Owing to the inherent weakness of our race
even its best specimens are far from absolute righteousness,
and consequently no government of the present
time, no government under imperfect men, can
fulfil the predictions of our text.
This is implied
throughout the entire Scriptures, in which the Lord
promises that he will establish his kingdom among
men, and that under Immanuel's government all the
families of the earth shall be blessed.
It is for this
reason that the Lord's people still pray, "Thy kingdom
come.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven";
it is for this reason that the apostle declares that the
"whole creation groaneth and travaileth together in
pain until now" waiting for the manifestation of the
sons of God.
The sons of God, the little flock with
their Head the Lord Jesus, will by and by constitute
the righteous who will be in authority, in power, in
governmental control of the world by divine arrangement,
based upon the great atonement sacrifice.
Of
that time and of that great Ruler, Head and body, it
is written, "In his day shall the righteous flourish."
In his day Satan shall be bound a thousand years to
deceive the people no more, and all the influences of
righteousness and truth shall be let loose, that the
world may be flooded with the light and knowledge of
the glory of God.
Under those blessed conditions whosoever
will may take of the water of life freely and
live forever. Z'03-446 R3285:5 (Hymn 149)