History is filled with the rise and fall of governments. Some leaders stay in place for many years, but even those who stay in power a long time must eventually depart. In recent weeks, major leadership changes have happened in various parts of the world. Here in the United States, we are just two days away from Inauguration Day which will see our 47th president enter the office. Despite America’s political divisions and trying times throughout its history, the relative stability and consistency of elections and transfers of power for more than 230 years is remarkable.

Ask 10 people what the ideal government would look like, and you might get 10 different answers. No government system existing now or in the past is perfect because all of them are run by imperfect people. We are just a few weeks past the time when the birth of Jesus Christ is traditionally celebrated. During His first coming to earth, many of Jesus’ fellow Jews expected Him to deliver them from Roman rule. Instead of coming to bring political deliverance, Jesus’ mission was to bring spiritual peace. It was by His death, burial, and resurrection that people could have peace with God if they would repent and believe.

Even though His first coming was not the time for Him to rule, the Bible speaks of a time when Jesus Christ will govern the world. This is known as His thousand-year reign, or Millennial Kingdom. Isaiah 9:6-7 says, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

Some professing Christians believe that they must work to usher in Christ’s kingdom by gaining power politically and culturally, but the Bible doesn’t teach this. A Christian’s motive for influencing this world must be the reconciling of people’s eternal souls to God, not worldly power. Jesus Christ will establish His kingdom in His own time and way. Christ’s government will be one of true peace.

Outside of the United Nations building in New York stands a statue of a man beating a sword into a plowshare. This imagery and the phrase “swords into plowshares” used by numerous social and political figures comes from Isaiah 2:4 which says, “And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” World peace has been sought after for a long time but has been very elusive. As long as fallen humans are running things, there will be conflict and trouble; but after a false Christ comes with a fleeting promise of peace, true peace on earth will come from the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

Christ’s government will also be one of justice and righteous judgment. Injustices in this world are not hard to find, but true justice will be served. The previously quoted Isaiah 9:7 says the kingdom will be established with “justice and judgment.” The word of God will be the centerpiece of authority in this just kingdom. The prophet Micah wrote, “And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”

The earthly kingdom of Jesus Christ is prophesied as a future event, but what should Christians be doing right now? I Timothy 2:1-2 says, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” God wants us to pray for all people, specifically for all that are in authority; because it’s God’s will that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, even the leaders we dislike the most. The prayers should also prioritize being able to live a peaceful life of godliness and honesty that is unoppressed by government.

Time will tell what governments in America and around the world will do in the next few years, but Christians can live a prayerful life anticipating the best government led by Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Greenfield Baptist Church is a caring church with a life-changing message. Founded in 2015, this independent Baptist church meets at 138 Main St. in Greenfield. Worship services are held on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m., and Midweek Prayer Meeting is held on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. For more information about the church, please call 413-376-4516 or visit www.greenfieldbaptistchurch.net. Sermon videos can be viewed by searching for “Greenfield Baptist Church MA” on YouTube.