and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.” (Exodus 19:6)

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. (Romans 13:1-4)

ALL GOVERNMENT IS ESTABLISHED BY GOD

From the beginning of time God set up Governing Authority. The first governing authority was Adam and from there God continued to delegate His Authority to man. Once we understand that “the office” or “position” of authority comes from God then we can partner with Him. It matters not as much that the ruler is righteous as it does that we are and that we take our rightful place in partnership with Him.

But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another. (Psalm 75:7)

We lose much time, opportunity and leadership struggling with the one who is in authority rather than focusing on God who put that person in position and can remove them just the same. Our faith is in God not in man. Men are weak, can make mistakes are prone to fall but God is faithful, everlasting, doesn’t ever lie and has ALL authority and power.

Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him. (Daniel 2:20)

“It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding. (Daniel 2:21)

“It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, And the light dwells with Him. (Daniel 2:22)

God doesn’t need us but He wants us. He can rule the earth Himself but that wasn’t the plan. He created man, gave him ruling power and equipped him to run the kingdom with His Son. When Adam gave that authority to Satan things got a little complicated but the plan never changed, man still had dominion authority he was just sharing it with Satan or God, his choice.

In the Covenant that God provided there was made provision for the ruling power of God in partnership with man but it was contingent on keeping the covenant and the law. This was possible but not without a continual communion with the Father. Not many were successful as we follow Israel’s continual rebellion.

Today through Jesus Christ that authority can be completely a sealed partnership with no authority of Satan if we choose rightly. That choice begins with our complete surrender to the

And I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19)

Once we establish God’s authority in our life we are ready to partner with Government in our city, state and nation. The gospel is the release of that authority in transformation. The gospel transforms the souls of men, the land, the church, the culture, society and nations.

“I have manifested Your name (living witness) to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. (John 17:6)

Jesus commissioned the disciples to bring the witness of this power and make disciples by teaching, demonstrating, and witnessing true authority, true government.

Effective teaching comes from a living witness. Jesus witnessed to the world the authority of God over death, hell and the grave and we have the same commission. This includes restoring authority to God’s original plan. Man partnered with God ruling the Kingdom.

Recognizing that rulers are subject to God and that all authority comes from Him than if they refuse to give God leadership, God will give it to a man who will submit. That means if we are not in our place of partnership than God will search for a man to put in that place. So often we are hung up on the “official title” when an unrighteous ruler actually has to submit to God’s authority in the earth or they will have no authority.

For you granted him (Jesus) authority over all people (John 17:2)

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

This doesn’t mean that we rule over every man because ruler-ship is actually servant based, Jesus who was Lord of all came humbly to serve man by laying down His life but He had all the authority to call all of heaven to obey. His model is what we follow. He girded Himself and washed the feet of those He had leadership over. He poured His life out to a city, a people and loved them and spoke the truth. He never compromised on His mission. He is the standard of government.

True leadership can be seen by the anointing and the demonstration of power that comes with that office. The High Priest was set by God in the land as His authority. Even if someone is given the office of authority it takes partnership with God to truly rule the land. The commission and partnership of the High Priest was with the governing authority in the land, a king. This ruler needed the leadership of the priest and the priest needed the protection and leadership of the King.

 Our master King David has just made Solomon king! And the king has surrounded him with Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet…and they’ve mounted Solomon on the royal mule. Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king … (1Kings45:43-48)

This government was delegated when Moses gathered seventy elders and released the same spiritual authority that was on him to these men. This pattern continues today through Israel, the Gentile church and the governments of the nations.

Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him; and He took of the Spirit who was upon him and placed Him upon the seventy elders. And when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do it again. (Numbers 11:25)

“I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. (John 17:11)

Jesus writing to the seven churches spoke to the leadership and held them responsible for the church. I believe God will hold us responsible for the leadership of our land not the sinners. Judgment comes to the house first because the house is responsible.

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, (Revelation 1:10)

saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” (Revelation 1:11)

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; (Revelation 1:12)

and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. (Revelation 1:13)

As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. (Revelation 1:20)

KINGDOM PRIESTS CARRY GOVERNMENT

`Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; (Exodus 19:5)

and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.” (Exodus 19:6)

The king was the only type of government or state known in this context. “kingdom” could well be translated today as a “government” or “state.”

The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4)

Melchizedek was a king and a priest. He had the power and authority to bless Abraham calling him the possessor of heaven and earth. The Father of nations received his blessing from the high priest but also the government.

The office of the priesthood had authority and was made of men who had the gift of wisdom, endowed with an anointing and ability to bring forth the reflection of God in every aspect of life.

“You shall speak to all the skillful persons whom I have endowed with the spirit of wisdom (Exodus 28:3)

One of the governmental duties was to make sure the priests temple was protected and provided for, there was to be a temple ministry carried forth by these priests.

The task at hand was to free up Aaron and consecrate him so he could minister to the Lord.

….that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister as priest to Me. (Exodus 28:3)

The Lord needed to manifest His divine authority in Aaron but He needed other priests to get Aaron to the place of consecration. The protection and authority to bring about the divine blessing to the Promised Land.

They were delegated authority working in tandem with the kings and priests and other workers to assist in the government of the nation. When you think of government it was different in that day compared to today. The Lord presented His desire and government was a part of administrating that plan.

It should be the same today. God presents His plan and if the current government can’t hear that is because the priesthood isn’t operating. If the priesthood is in place then the government can enter into the priesthood or hear from the priesthood according to the cleanness of the heart of the government.

. They didn’t enter into the holy of holies but they were filled with wisdom to solve the problems of the day. Some of them filled the role of judges.

WATCHMEN RELEASE THE SOUND OF GOVERNMENT

If a trumpet is blown in a city will not the people tremble? If a calamity occurs in a city has not the LORD done it? (Amos 3:6)

“And I set watchmen over you, saying, `Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ (Jeremiah 6:17)

So it came about on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. (Exodus 19:16)

When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him with thunder. (Exodus 19:19)

All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance. (Exodus 20:18)

`But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned, and a sword comes and takes a person from them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require from the watchman’s hand.’ (Ezekiel 33:6)

the word of the LORD came expressly to Ezekiel the priest..(Ezekiel 1:3)

Ezekiel had blood on his hands because he was responsible. He was a priest. He had government. It was as if he committed the crime. The Lord said you are to sound a trumpet you are to release your government. The trumpet is what sounded when God surrounded the mountain: thunders, lightening’s and the sound of a trumpet.

“It shall be that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people will go up every man straight ahead.” (Joshua 6:5)

So the people shouted, and priests blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city. (Joshua 6:20)

It was the sound of a trumpet that released the government in Joshua 6 and that government went to the entire city.

So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon; and he blew a trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called together to follow him. (Judges 6:34)

When I and all who are with me blow the trumpet, then you also blow the trumpets all around the camp and say, `For the LORD and for Gideon.’ (Judges 7:18)

Gideon sounded a trumpet that gave direction and government to the people.

“At whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” (Nehemiah 4:20)

Lift up a signal in the land, Blow a trumpet among the nations! Consecrate the nations against her, (Jeremiah 51:27)

We need to bless our government, serve them with the anointing and calling God has given us. This partnership will release the promises we see in Cyrus’ life

“So now, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek after all the commandments of the LORD your God so that you may possess the good land and bequeath it to your sons after you forever. (1 Chronicles 28:8)

GOVERNMENT ANOINTING AND BLESSING

 David being old and full of days, made Solomon his son king over Israel. And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, and the priests and Levites. And the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years, and upwards: and there were found of them thirty-eight thousand men.  Of these twenty-four thousand were chosen, and distributed unto the ministry of the house of the Lord: and six thousand were the overseers and judges.(1Chronicles 23:1-4)

Cyrus was a king. He was the government representing God’s Government. The bible says God would subdue the nation through him, cause Kings to agree with him and open the city gates.

Thus says the LORD to Cyrus His anointed, (equipped, supernaturally and naturally – every spiritual blessing)Whom I have taken by the right hand, (have divine leadership)To subdue nations before him ( touch and influence nations, people groups, ethnic groups) And to loose the loins of kings; ( have favor from other leaders/peers/opening doors/ can influence, persuade them to make good/right decisions)To open doors before him ( have opportunities, have favor, go places others can’t go) so that gates will not be shut: (Isaiah 45:1)    (there is no end to the blessing and favor coming your way)

“I will go before you   ( the Lord prepares the way before you – angels go before you – keep you from stumbling – show you the future- illuminate the way) and make the rough places smooth;   (remove offenses towards you – settle disputes in your favor – remove contention and strife – remove the mountains) I will shatter the doors of bronze  ( those who block you or try to steal from you will be stopped in their track) and cut through their iron bars. (Isaiah 45:2)   (those who try to close doors/imprison you / shut down your anointing will be removed/ plans will not prosper against you)

“I will give you the treasures of darkness    ( you will know what is being done in darkness – the plans of the wicked before they come to fruition like Ezekiel go behind the wall and see their true heart)And hidden wealth of secret places,  ( you will find hidden savings, hidden financial blessings that the enemy can’t see, hidden ways to bring success)So that you may know that it is I, The LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. (Isaiah 45:3)

“For the sake of Jacob My servant, And Israel My chosen one, I have also called you by your name; I have given you a title of honor  (greater than any title or position man could give you – Gods honor!)Though you have not known Me. (Isaiah 45:4)  (you will get fresh revelation, wisdom, insight and understanding)

“I am the LORD, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, (He will strengthen you as one who has known God all your life =  all His ways and what He will do in every situation)though you have not known Me; (Isaiah 45:5)

That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun That there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other, (Isaiah 45:6)

The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these. (Isaiah 45:7)

Cyrus represents what God intended in government. He wants to release the treasures of darkness, the hidden wealth and to destroy everything that hinders His Kingdom being established in the earth

God called Cyrus, God will keep Cyrus and God will rule and reign His authority through Cyrus. He girds, strengthens and protects. God gives Cyrus creative ability to rise above the storms and prosper.

There is a governmental anointing to release this blessing. As we search today for righteous government we need to know we have the ability to bless the office of Government with that anointing. We can take our priestly anointing and release the same blessings that Cyrus walked out into our lives by blessing and praying for those in office.

So often we think only if the government is righteous we will be blessed, if that were true than God’s anointing is ruled by man’s state of righteousness? This is ludicrous. The office is blessed because it is ordained by God and when we partner with God and the office He will bless. It may mean removal or it may mean encounter, either way God promises blessing and He will follow through on His word by whatever means are necessary.

so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:45)

Our faith is not in man it is in God and His Word. We aren’t moved by what man can do but we are moved by God’s heart and response to what man does. This is how we respond and we must make the commitment to not back down, not be silent and to honor our covenant with the Lord. Take our place in government, partner with the Lord all the way to the end.