The Rabbi on Regimes of Men and Rulers of Nations
 As I’ve been teaching through the Book of Hosea over the past year or so,
we’ve seen a stark parallel between the nation Israel and our very own United States of America
. God spoke through the prophet Hosea directly to the priests (the religious leaders), to the citizens of
Israel, and to the kings and princes (the political leaders). No one was off the hook, for all were
responsible for the sin of harlotry and idolatry, which was rapidly plunging the nation into ruin.
The consequence for their sin? Captivity by the hands of the brutal Assyrians to the north.
After hearing one of my recent sermons, a visitor told a member of Beit Tikvah that my preaching was "too political."
If I had been able to speak with this person, I would have told them that the prophet Hosea was political, too,
and in speaking to the kings and princes, God was specifically addressing the political leaders of the land.
People come to a worship service to be encouraged and uplifted in their faith and in their walk with God,
and so it should be. But if a preacher doesn’t address righteousness, holiness and godliness, and their
antithesis, then he isn’t doing his job.
The political leaders of Israel rejoiced with their people in their wickedness.
In fact, the wickedness and lies of the people were being enjoyed by their political leaders.
Rabbi Shaul, the apostle Paul, tells us in Romans 13 that we are to be subject to governing authorities,
because they are given by God to reward good and punish evil. But when a government or political system
gets this mixed up and reward evil and punish good, then the people must stand up for what is right, for
righteousness. It was time for the people of Israel to say "No" to their political leaders. It was time
to say "No" to wickedness and lies. But Hosea tells us there was "no truth,
no mercy and no knowledge of God in the land" (Hosea 4:1).
I can’t help but think of our own government.
My opinion is that we have an inexperienced president and a very liberal administration making immature,
costly decisions that are quickly plunging our nation into ruin. Like the political leaders of Israel,
our leaders will also be held accountable for their deeds. When God’s name is being removed from our
society, when we court our enemies and "stretch out our hand to scoffers" (Hosea 7:5), when our leaders
rejoice with the wickedness of the people, there is a price to pay.
Solomon said, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).
It’s time for the people of God to stand up for righteousness amidst a godless, secular society where
there seems to be no truth, no mercy and no knowledge of God in the land. We can turn it around with
repentance, prayer and perseverance. Remember, "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world"
(1 John 4:4). And remember to vote. It is your right and your privilege.
Hylan Slobodkin
Messianic Rabbi
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