All Nations Rise and Fall

Psalm 2:10-11, Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

Every nation that has dared to dishonour YHWH and choose ignorance over reverence has perished. Canaan, Midian, Babylon, Assyria, Rome, even God’s chosen people Israel of the First Temple Period—all have perished. The people may not all be dead, but the nations have crumbled, decayed, and died. Should today’s America and Europe crumble and die, we should not be surprised. For today’s nations are repeating the same iniquities as the nations before us—and indeed, regurgitating new ways to disgust our God. (Assuredly, as all governments are run by sinful men and women, all nations will inevitably sever themselves from God. All nations rise, and all nations fall. Every nation is born, and every nation dies. If not now, soon, or later, then imminently upon Christ’s glorious return.) Yet as Paul exhorted the young pastor Timothy, let us bring our prayers and intercessions before God for our kings, queens, presidents, government officials, and others, “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). But if our nations today should fall, we know from history of God’s faithfulness to His people. For as the Rome of Paul’s day shifted in manifold ways until its final collapse in approximately AD 476, God’s people still thrived even in the midst of persecution—and not only thrived, but also expanded and flourished. For although God uses government for His will (Romans 13:1-7), God alone—not government—is our Refuge, Fortress, and Saviour.