Written by: Dr Pearl Kupe
Article source: JOY! Magazine

Elections are drawing closer for South Africa. It is a time for deep reflection, prayer, and strategic action as we meditate on the future of the beautiful nation of South Africa and its prophetic and redemptive purpose. We cannot reflect on the future of South Africa without looking at the country through a “righteousness” lens and perspective. We need to look at and review South Africa’s past and current behaviours against a righteousness yardstick and benchmark.

Righteousness and God
Righteousness is who God is. One of God’s names is Jehovah Tsikendu, meaning “the Lord our righteousness”. Another name is Jehovah El Mishpat which means “God of justice”. Psalm 97:2 tells us that righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. God’s rulership is embedded in righteousness and justice. The mandate given to us to seek and pursue God and His Kingdom also instructs us to pursue His righteousness. We cannot pursue God and not pursue righteousness, as it is a critical part of who He is.

Repentance precedes and triggers revival
Revival has been consistently prophesied over South Africa and Africa for many decades now. The prophetic word declares that revival shall break forth from the Cape (Cape Town) to Cairo (Egypt). In 2 Chronicles 7:14 it says, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” This scripture gives a promise of healing in the land. When the land is healed, then revival breaks forth. The scripture also calls for repentance and for God’s people to turn away from wickedness and to turn to prayer and seek God. It is a call to repentance and a call to righteousness. Repentance precedes and triggers revival.

Righteous government
There are three arms of government – the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive. Isaiah 33:22 says, “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is He who will save us.” God is the original judiciary, legislature, and executive. He is the original source of government and governance, and our salvation lies in Him. Sons of God who understand that their role is to steward and manage their Father’s estate must play a critical role in all three arms of government.

Righteous judiciary
Deborah was a judge who sat under a palm tree. Judges 4:4-5 (AMP) says, “Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit [to hear and decide disputes] under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the Israelites came up to her for judgement.”

Sitting under a palm tree
The fact that Deborah sat under a palm tree is of critical importance. Psalm 92:12 says, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” The palm tree, therefore, is a symbol of righteousness. Deborah was judging from a place of righteousness. It is important that we have righteous judges and magistrates who cannot be bribed or corruptly influenced to make unrighteous judgements. The procedure for selecting such individuals must be reviewed and citizens must be encouraged to get involved and participate in the selection.

Righteous legislature
Laws determine the behaviours and conduct of people in nations. Whatever is criminalised becomes illegal and whatever is legalised must be done, even if it is immoral. They also reflect the moral benchmark of a nation. There is a global trend and push to legalise all forms of immorality in nations. There must be a deliberate move to select righteous leaders in parliament who will make laws that reflect the good morals and values of the nation.

Righteous executive
Proverbs 29:2 tells us that “when the righteous are in authority the city rejoices, but when the wicked rule, the people mourn”. It is, therefore, of equal importance that righteous capable servant leaders of integrity be selected to lead the nation. These must be leaders who are not in those positions to serve themselves, but to serve the nation.

Righteous worshippers
In times of battle, the tribe of Judah goes ahead of all other tribes. Worship is a weapon that God uses to win battles and to bring the walls of Jericho down. In this season, let’s pray for God to raise up consecrated, sanctified, and righteous worshippers who know how to battle in the spiritual realm.

Righteous nation
Proverbs 14:34 says: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Righteousness starts at an individual level. Let us each challenge ourselves to pursue righteousness and to make righteous decisions. We cannot call out corrupt leaders when we ourselves are giving bribes to police officers and other government officials. Yeshua lived a sanctified, holy, consecrated life of righteousness. As believers we are called to follow and imitate Him and become His disciples. That means that we are called to pursue and live holy and walk in righteousness. Let us be challenged to pursue righteousness individually and as a corporate body. There is a righteous remnant that is arising to stand boldly for God and His Kingdom! You can be a part of that remnant!

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Date published: 06/11/2023
DR Pearl Kupe – attorney and consultant to world leaders/international organisations. Pearl is the international president of the Global Forum for Women Entrepreneurs. Visit pearlkupe.co.za or email pearl.kupe@gmail.com

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