Iniquitous Governance: A Call to Justice and Prayer
Iniquitous Governance: A Call to Justice and Prayer
Iniquitous Governance—meaning evil, unjust, and cruel leadership is not a new phenomenon. It has plagued societies since the first governments were formed. Even in the United States, where the Declaration of Independence proclaimed that “all men are created equal,” enslaved people were treated as property. Ten of the first twelve presidents owned slaves, and the Supreme Court upheld this injustice. Our history reminds us that injustice in leadership is not rare, it is recurring.
History Echoes Today
Sadly, this pattern continues. Just this past week in the Twin Cities, we witnessed another tragedy that cannot be justified. A government agency, tasked with apprehending undocumented individuals alive, ended up killing an American mother. Their mission is not to kill anyone, least of all a citizen. Yet accountability from leadership is absent, and the response has been callous and cruel. Justice for the victim is being blocked, and instead of compassion, the reaction from the top has been reminiscent of 1933: sending more government troops to quell demonstrations.
When government actions result in the deaths of three American civilians in two days, that is not governance, it is an amoral failure. The Bible speaks clearly about such injustice, condemning oppression and calling leaders to uphold righteousness.
What Does Scripture Say About Unjust Leadership?
Isaiah 10:1-2
“Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people.”
Ezekiel 22:27
“Your leaders are like wolves who tear apart their victims. They shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain.”
The Bible consistently critiques governments and leaders who:
Exploit the poor
Pervert justice
Seek power for selfish gain
Ignore God’s standards of righteousness and mercy
GOD'S STANDARD FOR GOOD GOVERANCE
Uphold Justice for All
Deuteronomy 16:18-20
“Leaders must judge the people fairly. You must never twist justice or show partiality. Never accept a bribe, for bribes blind the eyes of the wise and corrupt the decisions of the godly. Let true justice prevail, so you may live and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
Protect the Vulnerable
Isaiah 1:17
“Seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
Lead with Integrity
Proverbs 29:4
“By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.”
Serve with Humility, Not for Power
Matthew 20:25-28
“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant… For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Be Accountable to God
Romans 13:1-4
“For all authority comes from God… The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good.”
Promote Peace and Prosperity
Jeremiah 29:7
“Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you… Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
Our Response
This past week has shown how far we are from these standards. But as believers, we are not powerless. Scripture calls us to act:
1 Timothy 2:1-2
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”
Now is the time to:
Pray for those in authority
Advocate for justice
Model integrity in our own spheres of influence
Good government begins with godly principles, and those principles start with us.
Comments
Post a Comment