From Iraq: Good News about Local Government

Some good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . just came out of Iraq—out of its villages and towns. The Iraqis have not enjoyed the satisfaction or community challenge of participating in local government for 35 or 40 years. Yet in the constructive aftermath of the January 2005 elections, local municipal governments are now assuming their roles and duties.

A recent Associated Press news release by Antonio Castaneda describes a genuine benefit for Iraq after being "conquered" by the United States, "But the U.S. soldiers, mindful that their eventual departure hinges on robust local governments, directed villagers to local officials and elected representatives—a mind-bending concept for Iraqis formerly accustomed to all power flowing from Saddam Hussein in Baghdad."

The news release explains that in modern Iraqi history villagers have not had a functioning local government to turn to for the myriad practical matters and problems facing the small towns—like school repairs and water treatment facilities. Since the American invasion in 2003 the locals have looked to the U.S. military as the new "power broker" to fix local problems. But since the elections soldiers are now placing the new local officials in the active limelight, while the troops themselves continue to assist in the repair of basic infrastructure.

The net result is a more invigorated and appropriately empowered populace. This generates a striking contrast with the past. The news release points out this contrast by citing Phebe Marr, author of The Modern History of Iraq , "In Saddam's Iraq, everyone was encouraged to look to the center—and to a lesser degree the party—for action."

But isn't that the trouble with totalitarian dictators? They want to dictate everything to everybody. Like a giant ego-vortex a dictator sucks all attention, adulation and power to his own violent and oppressive self.

The one truly freedom-loving MessiahA Hebrew word meaning literally "anointed one," synonymous with the Greek word christos, translated Christ. "In ancient Israel both persons and things consecrated to sacred purposes were anointed by having oil poured over them ... The Israelites did not think of crowning a king but of anointing him when he was enthroned ... [The future Messiah] is to destroy the world powers in an act of judgment, deliver Israel from her enemies, and restore her as a nation. The Messiah is the King of this future kingdom to whose political and religious domination the other nations will yield. His mission is the redemption of Israel and His dominion is universal. This is the clear picture of the Messiah in practically all of the OT passages which refer to Him" (The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, "Messiah"). had them pegged. "You know that the rulers of Gentiles [nations] lord it over them [their subjects], and those who are great exercise authority over them." Freedom doesn't thrive when folks are being "lorded over" and hammered by inconsiderate "authority" (Matthew 20:25But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
See All...).

Jesus Christ describes the right kind of leadership, "Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave..." Leaders who actually serve their people are not the stuff that dictators are made of!

But it is the stuff that Jesus Christ is made of. He continues, "... the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28 [25] But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
[26] But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
[27] And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
[28] Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

See All...) Imagine that, government actually "for" the people.

That is a radical, yet—when you think about it—a completely practical concept of leadership. It permits freedom to plan and achieve personal and community progress and accomplishment. Just think, it's like Jesus walking through the door and saying, "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you"—honestly meaning that He will help you!

Christ is an exporter of true freedom—a much deeper freedom than any offered today. And when He returns to rule this earth He will begin by establishing citizen-oriented national and local governments everywhere. God has always worked through people, and His principles never change (Hebrews 13:8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
See All...).

But there is an opportunity for local governmental oversight that you might be interested in. The Parable of the pounds (or minas—Greek coins) is a short story by Jesus teaching a lesson of truth and freedom. It reveals that in the cities of the millennial world—over which Jesus Christ will rule—local leaders will be appointed in the various regions, cities, towns and villages from those who have faithfully served Christ in this life. They will instill the concepts of true freedom, based on serving others instead of abusing them (Luke 19:13-27 [13] And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
[14] But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
[15] And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
[16] Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.
[17] And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
[18] And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
[19] And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
[20] And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
[21] For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
[22] And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
[23] Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?
[24] And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
[25] (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)
[26] For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
[27] But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

See All...). Applicants for these positions, as the educators and trainers of loving leadership in the world to come, must be willing to change their minds and hearts now—from the inside out.

Such leadership calls for supreme, faithful dedication to God's truth—today! Not many are willing to take this challenge. But the opportunity is open. You could become a teacher of the truths that set people truly free (John 8:32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
See All...). You could become an exporter of the golden freedom that will make the Statue of Liberty will look like a toy soldier by comparison!