Pr Joshua Yong

“And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:” (Daniel 2:21)

By the grace of God, Singapore was able to celebrate her 58^th National Day. We thank God for seeing Singapore through the last 58 years. As we think about the Lord’s preservation of Singapore, there are many things we are thankful for. But we must thank God especially for granting us a good government that has allowed us to have the freedom of worship.

We must never take this freedom of worship for granted – throughout history, we read of the persecution Christians had suffered. So many Christians all around the world today do not have freedom of worship.

As we remember God’s goodness upon Singapore, we must also reflect on the rise and fall of nations throughout history. We must ask ourselves, “Why did God establish these kingdoms, and why did God allow these kingdoms to fall?” We know God has His purposes in the rise and fall of nations. We cannot look at the rise and fall of nations from a socio-economic or political perspective. Instead we must learn to look at the rise and fall of nations from a spiritual perspective – through the lens of God’s Word.

As we reflect upon God’s goodness to Singapore, let us consider a few thoughts.

1. God Establishes Nations

Daniel 2 describes the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, where he saw an image made up of different metals – the image had a head of fine gold, breast and arms of silver, belly and thighs of brass, legs of iron, and feet of iron and clay. As the Lord revealed the meaning of this dream to Daniel, Daniel burst forth in praise, acknowledging the wisdom and might of God. This was where Daniel also declared these words in Daniel 1:21a - “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings…”

God is the one who has set up kings, He is the one who has established nations. Nebuchadnezzar may have thought that it was through his political manoeuvring or through his military exploits that he was able to establish Babylon, but he ought to have known that it was God who established the Babylonian empire.

When we look at the history of Singapore, we must also look at it with the understanding that God established this country. We often speak about the strategic location of Singapore as a port city or the brilliance of the early leaders of Singapore, but we must never forget that God established Singapore for a time such as this.

Therefore, even when we consider Singapore's history, we must render all praise and glory unto God. Our government is the human agency which God has used to build this country, and God is the one who rules and reigns as the sovereign God over the whole earth. This will also guard us against pride, so we will not become boastful and arrogant in our accomplishments. Remember that when Nebuchadnezzar boasted of his greatness, the Lord brought him low (Daniel 4:30-31).

2. God’s Purpose in Nations

But why has God established and preserved Singapore? It is one thing to recognise that God is the one who establishes kingdoms, but it is another thing to understand God’s purpose in establishing these kingdoms.

Daniel recognised that God grants wisdom and understanding to interpret and understand His purpose and will. Daniel 2:21b says, “…he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understand.”

We can see God’s purpose in the rise and fall of the kingdoms in history. God used the Babylonians to chastise Israel because of her idolatry; He then used the Persians to bring the children of Israel back to the Promised Land. Israel had to be preserved as a people and a nation for the first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. God used the Greeks to give us the Greek language for the writing of the New Testament, and it was during the rule of the Romans that Paul was able to embark on his missionary journeys to bring the Gospel throughout the world.

We thank God for establishing Singapore and the freedom of worship given to us. What, then, is the purpose for us in Singapore? It must be to fulfil the Great Commission which has been given to the Church. The peace and stability in Singapore enable us to be a hub for the preaching of the Gospel and missions.

This peace and stability should not lull us into a state of complacency; it is not granted to us to enjoy the entertainment and the carnal activities of the world. We ought to use this peace and stability to further God’s kingdom.

3. Nations Do Not Last Forever

As kingdoms have risen and fallen in the past, we know that no nation will last forever. Every kingdom on earth will pass away. Where are all the superpowers of the past? Have they not all been replaced by powers that have risen in their place? In time, these powers will also fall and pass away. No kingdom will last forever.

This stands true also for Singapore. God has preserved our nation according to His sovereign goodness and faithfulness. But this will not last forever. When Christ returns, every kingdom on earth will pass away. This ought to give us a sense of urgency to go forth to be witnesses and to preach the Gospel to those whom God has placed around us.

But while no kingdom will last forever, it should not cause us to worry, because we know that one day Christ will establish His everlasting kingdom, which “shall never be destroyed” because it is the kingdom which “shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44).

But until that day comes, we must continue to pray for our government that it will govern Singapore with justice and equity. We must be responsible citizens and, most importantly, faithful witnesses for Christ.