Kings called Benefactors

The current pandemic has seen the governments of Western democracies assume powers unknown to them since the world wars. In Britain, the government enjoys significant popular support, but the latest Act of Parliament is not unlike the notorious 1915 Defence of the Realm Act. Its closure of businesses, shops, public venues and places of worship sends a slight chill down the spine. I console myself that it means well and that it is saving many lives. Yet there are signs that situation will get worse. The Prime Minister will soon be writing to every household, explaining that ‘he might have to impose stricter lockdown measures’ (The Independent) if his current provisions are not adhered to. Again, he means well. Johnson the Jester has become a serious statesman, rising to the challenge before him. Let’s see where his metamorphosis ends up.

The police have been given the thankless task of enforcing the lockdown of a nation. Derbyshire Constabulary boasted on Twitter of  its use of flying drones to record the registrations of car owners walking on the moors and even the faces of those taking the air. Again, it’s all in the name of public safety and reduction of deaths. It means well.

Starring in the week’s Guardian was Labour’s former PM, Gordon Brown. In the piece’s photo, the years had not been kind to him, looking a cross between a Halloween mask and a Spitting Image puppet. He was at the helm the last time we had something approaching an existential crisis, the 2008 Credit Crunch with attendant recession. So what remedy does experienced Mr Brown prescribe? He calls for ‘the creation of a temporary form of global government to be assembled to provide a unified body to tackle coronavirus.’ This temporary global government would be based upon the UN Security Council. Doubtless, competition for global ventilators and equipment benefits the richer nations at the expense of the poorer; an honest broker at the UN could help manage all this. But it’s okay, because he means well.

When this new temporary global government is established, why not let it deal with global poverty? Terrorism? Inconsistencies applying human rights? All of this would mean so well and it could achieve so much.

We aren’t there yet, but the Bible warns against the rise a superbly successful politician who will rule the world. Perhaps coming in time of crisis and offering peace and plenty after a period of war and loss, the whole earth will wonder at him. He too will curtail freedoms and close the churches- for the best of reasons, naturally. 

He shall speak pompous words against the Most High,

Shall persecute the saints of the Most High,

And shall intend to change times and law.

Then the saints shall be given into his hand

For a time and times and half a time.

 ‘But the court shall be seated,

And they shall take away his dominion.

 

Daniel 7:25-26