A Throne Of Destruction

Psalm 94: 16, 20

Who will stand up for Me against evildoers? Who will take his stand for Me against those who do wickedness? 
Can a throne of destruction be allied with You, one which devises mischief by decree?

A "throne of destruction" is a government that "devises mischief by decree," it makes laws that promote unrighteousness and evil. 

Like the ancient rulers who decreed human sacrifices to idols, and illicit sexual acts in worship of demons. 

Or the official persecution of Jesus-followers. 

Or the permitting of the destruction of the most innocent, and the forbidding of counsellors to counsel anyone who wants to get rid of unrighteous physical urges, or to make legal what used to be "controlled" because it alters the brain, or decrees that Christian businesspeople must promote ungodly lifestyles. 

These are a few instances of the "mischief" which is "devised" "by decree." 

Every generation has its share of "spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12), and these are not just spiritual places, but worldly political places; governments. No earthly government is immune to these spiritual forces, but are particularly vulnerable to their influence. 

That is why "power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." 

How can we stand up against these "evildoers"? What stand can we take against "those who do wickedness"? 

To start with, we need to remember that our fight is not with people. The people involved in these devisings have been deceived, and are victims of the devil. They are still very dangerous, but the power behind them is the source we need to focus on. 

That's why Paul told the Ephesians to put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (see Ephesians 6:10-18). 

In a democratic government, your spiritual duty is to vote. In a republican government, your spiritual duty is to ensure that your representative is representing your views in their governing; or even run for office yourself. 

In a kingdom or dictatorship, your duty is to pray for your leaders, and promote righteousness in your own circle of influence. 

We all are to pray for our leaders, both governmental and spiritual (I Timothy 2:1-3, 8). 

And we are all to be living according to the Righteousness of Christ, showing the World around us God's goodness and compassion and kindness; encouraging those in our circles of influence; promoting the Kingdom of God in all that we think, do, and say in the societies in which we live. 

We cannot do this in our own human strength; we must rely on God's Holy Spirit Who resides inside our bodies in our spirits. He will give us the strength and power and ability to stand against all this wickedness and evil, and hold us up to stand after we've done everything we can do. 

It won't be easy, but with our hand in His, we can weather every attack against us with victory. 

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!