Recently, we’ve been exploring the correlation between the mountains referred to in Deuteronomy 1, the seven attributes of majesty ascribed to Jesus and the seven pillars of influence in society. Today, I want to look in detail at power, which of course was the first attribute of majesty ascribed to Jesus in Revelation 5: 12 and being closely linked with the mountain of the Gergashites, denotes human government.
Government is the political institution that rules a nation. Although it is an area in which the Church has the potential to exert great influence, it largely fails to do so as many Christians regard politics as being satan’s game. If indeed this is true, the reason will be that we have handed it to him.
The mountain of government presents the opportunity to wield a great deal of influence with very little effort. The power of government lies in the reality that a very small number of people determine the fate of a very large proportion of any given nation. Decisions taken on this mountain affect every other aspect of society and therefore is of great interest to the enemy.
Jesus said in John 3:6 “That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the spirit is spirit”. This principle applies to both individuals and institutions alike. If a government is not born of the spirit, it will always operate under the influence of Lucifer. You will recall from Isaiah14:12-14 that he attempted to usurp God’s authority and overthrow His rule. Lucifer’s spirit still announces “I will ascend” and is present in human government today often as the motivating force behind those to run for political office. By way of contrast, Jesus’ description of the attributes of godly leadership in Matthew 20:25-28, reflects the qualities that He possessed, encompassing a humble and Holy Spirit-filled desire to serve and to sacrifice.
Let’s be clear: taking the mountain of government requires more than just electing Christians into government. Just because a leader of a nation is born again does not mean that his government will be righteous. We must distinguish between the persons in office and the spiritual powers that influence them. Simply replacing the person without displacing the power behind the throne will result in the new person succumbing to the manipulation of the enemy, often displayed in corruption, greed and moral weakness. For this reason, unless the power base behind the throne is changed, there can be no lasting change. It will take more than professing Christians to take the mountain of government – it will take passionate, practising Christians, totally committed with an apostolic mandate and anointing.
Edmund Burke said “All it takes for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing”. True. It is not God’s intention for us be apathetic and remain on the sidelines but for us to take authority out from Church and bring it in to mainstream society. We are mandated to rule in the midst of our enemies and therefore, prayerfully taking the mountain of power through preparation and positioning must be our priority.