Who is worthy of governing a human being, or a portion of humanity?
When Adam and Eve sinned and our world fell into slavery to sin, a fundamental mistake made was that they could decide for themselves what was best. In our world, has anything changed?
Anne Graham Lotz has beautifully crafted Bible study questions in an article based on Revelation 4. The outline is impressive.[1] In Revelation 4:1-2, we see Christ enthroned in power. In 4:3-8, we find proof offered of four things: (1) His mercy; (2) His supreme, divine authority; (3) His faithful activity in all things; and (4) His inherent purity. As a result of all of that, 4:9-11 pictures our Lord enveloped in praise forever! Mrs. Lotz concludes her listing of Bible study questions with some sobering, personal questions. Perhaps, it’s in answer to these questions of hers that we will be given wisdom in our voting this year:
“One day Jesus will govern the world. And He is the only One who is worthy and able to govern your world. How accurately does your life reflect His government now? Does He govern on the throne of your heart in power? Is He In circled with proof of His mercy, activity, authority, and purity in the way you live your life? And while you pour yourself into His work, is He enveloped in praise, 24/7?”
Christ alone is worthy to govern my world.
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” —Revelation 4:11 ESV
I was asked recently if the candidate I am supporting for president this fall is worthy to hold office. Is it true any longer that the President of the United States is the most powerful position in the world? If so, who could possibly be truly worthy of that position?
NONE of the candidates standing for office are truly worthy of that office in and of themselves. I don’t think we should be surprised if candidates for office seem flawed and unworthy for various reasons. None of them have what Christ has — the infinite mercy, supreme authority, utterly faithful record in absolutely all dealings, and personal, inherent purity of character. I don’t either.
I don’t have an inherent right to govern my own affairs, let alone yours.
Ultimately, ALL who govern other human beings do so at Christ’s discretion and should take heed of that fact. [2] Everyone who governs either themselves or another human being will be judged for faithfulness to God’s design and purpose for those in authority — by God Himself. ALL of us will one day bow to Christ’s name as the only one truly worthy of governing our hearts and lives.[3]
You may recognize me as a good guy, a visionary leader or thoughtful manager of things. And should you give me a position of authority in which to exercise leadership for you, I hope you will see that the way I attempt to do so is as the Apostle Paul describes it, a “worthy manner” [4] — a manner worthy of the One who gave me that opportunity — Jesus Christ, my Eternal King. So, I will humble my heart, ask for your forgiveness for where I fail, and move forward, believing that in Christ’s preeminence He will govern all things, working everything together to accomplish His good and perfect will. [5]
Is He Worthy | West Coast Choir
“Do you feel the world is broken? (We do) Do you feel the shadows deepen? (We do) But do you know that all the dark won’t stop the light from getting through? (We do) Do you wish that you could see it all made new? (We do) Is all creation groaning? (It is) Is a new creation coming? (It is) Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst? (It is) Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? (It is)
“Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole? Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll? The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave He is David’s root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave Is He worthy? Is He worthy? Of all blessing and honor and glory Is He worthy of this? HE IS…
Additional Resources
- Not To Us | West Coast Choir
- Nothing Ever Can, Nothing Ever Will | West Coast Baptist College
- “Behold Our God” | Fountainview Academy
- For All He’s Done | West Coast Choir
[1] To read Lotz’s full article, click on her title: “Worthy to Govern,” by Anne Graham Lotz (Decision October 2024), pp. 38-39
[2] Psalm 75:6-7, 62:10-12; Daniel 2:20-22; John 19:11; Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:11-17
[3] Psalm 2:1-12; 9:7-10, 15-20; Philippians 2:5-18
[4] 2 Corinthians 1:17-18; Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
[5] Romans 8:28-31;12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, Colossians 1:15-20; 1 Peter 5:1-6; Revelation 11:15-17
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