The Judge and Lawgiver

​In Isaiah 33, Isaiah writes of a future when the people of God will be freed from Assyrian domination.  It is a future where Jerusalem is glorious and the envy of other nations.  A future where there is stability, strength, and success in the land.  The text makes it clear that the success of the nation will not be because of the people, but because of their God.  The Lord will be for His people.  The prosperity of the people is but a product of the power of God.  It was the failure of the people of God to recognize the presence of God and follow the will of God that led to their downfall.  They will learn from their mistakes and rise to be great once again. 

America’s current political climate has been the source of much fear, anxiety, and worry.  But it doesn’t matter who is in the White House or controls the House or the Senate because God is still on the throne.  Proverbs 21:1 declares, “The LORD controls rulers, just as he determines the course of rivers” (CEV).  The people of God can trust in the government of God.  We embrace the fullness of the message printed on American currency: In God We Trust!  Why?  “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us” (Isaiah 33:22).

Notice that God has government covered.  All of the functions of government are present in these three titles of God.  He is judge, covering the judicial branch.  He is lawgiver, covering the legislative branch, and He is King, covering the executive branch. 

As our judge, He overrules the Supreme Court.  We need to get in the habit of referring all things to God our Judge.  His judgments are true.  His ways are just. 

As our lawgiver, His Law takes precedence over those of Congress.  The beauty of God being both judge and lawgiver is that He knows the spirit and intent of the law, so in His role as judge, he never misinterprets the law that has been given. The Law reveals the will and expectations of God. (Romans 7:7).

​As our King, His rule has veto power over the authority of the President.  When God is your king, you don’t have to fear who will ascend to the throne after Him, for He is the king eternal and immortal.  He won’t die in office.  No assassination attempt can succeed.  He alone is worthy of our worship and unquestioning obedience.  For the Lord is a great King over all the earth, therefore we should make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King!