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Come August 9th and Singapore will celebrate her 46th National Day.  Our tiny island state has come a long way since that eventful day in 1965 when we first achieved full independence from British colonial rule. 

Singapore is just a dot on the world map.  But God has graciously blessed us with a good government, peace, stability and safety.  Despite our lack of natural resources and diminutive size, our country has excelled economically, socially and politically.  

As Christians, we believe that Singapore is where it is today because of divine favour: “Mercy and truth preserve the king and His throne is upholden by mercy” (Prov. 20: 28).  In this troubled and turbulent world, no place is safe.  The 9/11 incident is the landmark of our time.  Despite all the upheavals, Singaporeans enjoy safety and peace.  Indeed, it is by the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed (Lam. 3: 23).  May we not take God’s goodness for granted.  Let us be thankful to the Lord for His merciful dealings with us as a nation.  Let us learn how to respond appropriately to divine blessings upon our land:

Submit to our leaders

As a democratic country, our government is set up through a free and fair electoral system.  Our leaders came to power through the people’s choice.  As with every authority, their high office is permitted and ordained of God.

Let us appreciate the authority God has set over us.  Submit to our leaders as exhorted by the Word of God :  “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation” (Rom. 13: 1-2).  Our President, Prime Minister and MPs are, in a sense, “God’s ministers” placed in high office according to God’s will and purpose (Rom. 13: 6).  Let us “render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Rom. 13: 7).

Remember that no government is perfect.  Very often, we are ignorant of the rationale behind the decisions of those in authority and criticise them without understanding their difficult position.  Do consider that they have access to a greater store of information than we, the common citizens.  Our leaders must have carefully weighed the options before implementing important policies.  Let us appreciate them for their effort to look after the interest of our country and the welfare of her citizens. 

Pray for our leaders

God uses our leaders to fulfil His purposes on earth.  It is our duty, as believers, to uphold those in high office:  “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” (I Tim. 2: 1-2).  Pray for God’s grace and wisdom upon our leaders to do that which is beneficial for the people.  Pray for courage to rule wisely, and to make decisions that will preserve the peace, security, and moral standards of our country.

The Bible tells us that the Lord takes notice of the sins of every nation: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14: 34).  “A righteous administration of the government, impartial equity between man and man, public countenance given to religion, the general practice and profession of virtue, the protecting and preserving of virtuous men, charity and compassion to strangers (alms are sometimes called righteousness), these exalt a nation; they uphold the throne, elevate the people’s minds, and qualify a nation for the favour of God” – Matthew Henry.

This truth is clearly seen during the reign of David, a God-fearing king.  Under his rule, Israel enjoyed many blessings: “And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel and that He had exalted his kingdom for His people, Israel’s sake” (II Sam. 5: 12).  On the other hand, under the reign of Israel’s many evil kings, the kingdom was divided and her people suffered much.  Civil war broke out between Israel and her sister Judah.  Yes, sin has been the cause of many a nation’s downfall.  Israel’s history speaks volumes on this issue.  All the more we need to uphold our leaders in prayer.

Conclusion

Let us thank God for His blessings upon our tiny island nation.  Appreciate especially, the freedom of worship that we enjoy each Sabbath day.  Pray that we can keep on freely serving the Lord.  Do not forget our responsibility to preach the Gospel.  Take every opportunity to reach out to the lost.  Our fellow Singaporeans, including many of our nation’s leaders, need to know the Lord.  Sow the Gospel seed wherever God has placed us.  Let us do the Lord’s will “while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (Jn. 9: 4).  May we, as a nation, continue to enjoy God’s favour and preserving grace.  Wishing one and all “A Happy National Day!”

(Note: We will continue with the second part of our article, “God’s precious jewels” next week.)

- Pastor