One aspect of the genius of America's founders was to enshrine within the Constitution a "separation of powers." Executive, legislative and judicial powers are vested in three distinct branches of government, with checks and balances built in to prevent the concentration of too much power in one place.
During the Nixon years, critics spoke of an "Imperial Presidency," and Congress took measures to rein in what was perceived to be the use of excessive executive power. In recent years, the Supreme Court has functioned as an "Imperial Judiciary," making extra-Constitutional rulings and exercising executive and legislative powers. It remains to be seen how and when the Court can be reined in, and Constitutional balance can be restored.
Interestingly, Isaiah declares that "the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us." All three aspects of governmental power are explicitly concentrated in the Lord's hands.
Three implications follow: (1) The President, Congress and the Courts are all subject to God's authority, and answerable to him for how they use their power. (2) We look forward to the return of Christ when he shall rule with perfect justice as king, lawgiver and judge. (3) In the meantime, we can vote and work to make government as righteous as possible, but we cannot look to any branch to bring salvation to society. "It is the Lord who will save us."
Comments