Democracy & Leadership: God’s Kingdom Still Reigns Supreme | If Man Can What More Can God Do?

My first thought when I started looking into this topic, was about the monarchy in England and the presidency of the United States.

These are superpowers that the world looks to, more so, the USA, when it comes to making major decisions and following their lead, or example, or model. 

In fact, it is said in the Caribbean, when America sneezes, the whole region feels the chill or catches a cold. You’ve heard that saying, haven’t you? Caribbean economists, politicians, and historians use it often to describe the region’s dependence on the U.S. economy.

So how did they become superpowers? By centuries of influence, expansion, economic strength, and global presence. 

England built its reach through colonization and trade, while the United States rose through industrial power, military dominance, and its role in shaping world affairs. 

Both demonstrate how leadership on earth can shape nations, but also how fragile and shifting human authority can be compared to God’s eternal reign.

As Scripture reminds us, “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation” (Daniel 4:34, NKJV).

Throughout history, people have lived under kings, queens, emperors, presidents, and prime ministers. Democracy allows citizens to cast their votes, while monarchies often pass crowns from generation to generation. Either way, both systems reflect humanity’s pursuit of order and fairness. 

Yet, no matter how powerful a leader or how well-structured a government, their reigns eventually come to an end. So for those persons in countries where the governments are doing everything but advancing the development of their people, don’t you worry.

Daniel was praising God after He revealed King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and its meaning. He declared: “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings” (Daniel 2:21, ESV). 

Political power shifts constantly from one person to the next, one party to the next.

In fact, elections are coming up in September for Jamaica, Malawi and Gabon in Africa, Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, Moldova in Eastern Europe, Syria in the Middle East, and India in South Asia. 

As much as the pollsters can predict and people express their wish, only God knows the outcome of all of these elections.

Now, in addition to the process of elections, political power changes through revolutions. The folk in Grenada would remember 1983 when there was a coup and Prime Minister Maurice Bishop was overthrown and later executed.

Those of us in British colonies or dependencies, whether former or current, would also know about succession government — The Monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II reigned for 70 years, one of the longest reigns in history. Yet even her reign, remarkable as some may think it was, eventually ended. 

So, we understand that earthly leadership depends on people’s support and often falters under human weakness. 

History books record corrupt kings, dictatorships that abused power, and democracies shaken by division. Promises made on campaign trails are often broken, and leaders who were celebrated in one season may be despised in the next. 

But we must also acknowledge that not every earthly leader or government is corrupt or oppressive. Some rulers do indeed work for the good of their people—building economies, improving education, strengthening healthcare, and protecting freedoms. Without such leadership, many would suffer more than they already do. 

Scripture affirms this truth in Proverbs 29:2 (NKJV): “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”

Today, I want to draw our attention, or contrast all of that, to God’s authority that never changes. Even as much as some may oppose it or not recognize it, God’s throne depends on no one. Hallelujah. 

Isaiah 9:7 (NIV) tells us of Jesus: “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”

Revelation 11:15 (NLT) proclaims: “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.”

Now, this does not mean that earthly leadership is insignificant, and certainly, we should not disrespect our earthly leaders.

Romans 13:1 (NKJV) reminds us: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” 

Family, everyone is called to pray for leaders and live responsibly under their rule…especially us as Christians. But our ultimate loyalty must be to the King whose authority cannot be voted out, overthrown, or inherited.

If man can form governments, write constitutions, and crown monarchs, how much more secure is God’s Kingdom—where Christ reigns in righteousness forever? 

Today, while to some extent we have to place our confidence in earthly leaders, even more so must we put our trust in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, whose reign is eternal.