Devolving Power and the Sword of the Lord

Devolving Power and the Sword of the Lord

What Does “Devolving Power” Mean?

“Devolve” means to transfer or pass power, responsibility, or property down to a person or group at a lower level of authority. — Merriam-Webster

This is what Andy Burnham is proposing: to devolve power from central government to a lower level of authority. His vision is for “No. 10 North” to become a centre of regional government, with greater powers being transferred from Westminster to Greater Manchester and other devolved authorities.

But there is something interesting about the word “devolve.” It is the opposite of evolve, which means to develop, progress, or change over time. To devolve means to move downward or transfer authority to a lower level.

From my perspective, this raises serious questions about where ultimate authority should rest. Devolution may be presented as giving people and local authorities more control, but I believe we must ask whether transferring power away from central government will strengthen the United Kingdom or create greater fragmentation and division. I suspect the latter.

The Bible gives us an important principle concerning government:

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” — Romans 13:1 (NIV)

Government has a God-given responsibility to uphold justice and restrain wrongdoing. Romans 13 goes on to speak of governing authority bearing the sword as an instrument of justice.

The apostle Paul writes:

"for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer - (Romans 13:4, ESV).

So, in my view, devolving power should not simply be celebrated as progress. We need to consider whether continually transferring authority away from the centre will strengthen the nation or weaken the authority and unity of the United Kingdom.

Burnham speaks about putting the people's destiny into their own hands. But I believe that the destiny of a nation ultimately belongs to God.

The people and those who govern are both accountable to Him. True leadership is not simply about giving people more power; it is about exercising authority according to righteous principles, justice and truth.

A nation cannot prosper by moving further away from God’s order. We need righteous government, unity, justice and leaders who recognise that their authority is ultimately accountable to God.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.”
— Psalm 33:12

The Sword of the Lord and the New Hebrew Year 5787.

Furthermore, we have now approached the Hebrew New Year, 5787. The number seven carries significant biblical symbolism, and the Hebrew letter zayin (ז) is traditionally associated with a sword or weapon.

For the believer, the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). God’s Word is powerful, piercing and able to expose what is hidden and bring truth and righteousness to light.

As we approach Rosh Hashanah on 11 September (ends on September 13), I believe we are entering a significant season in which God will bring wisdom, justice, judgement and accountability to governing authorities, exposing policies and decisions that have harmed communities, weakened social cohesion and departed from His righteous standards.

The Bible reminds us that God is sovereign over rulers and nations. Gideon was raised up by God to deliver Israel from oppression by the Midianites. Gideon's victory did not come through human strength alone—it came because God intervened and gave His people victory.

The prophet Daniel declared:

“He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”
— Daniel 2:21 (NIV)

We are living in days that remind me of the book of Daniel—a time of political upheaval, competing kingdoms and rulers who need to remember that their authority is ultimately under God.

I believe God is raising up Daniel-like voices in this generation: men and women who will not compromise truth, who will stand courageously before governing authorities, and who will speak the words God gives them to speak.

The sword they carry is not a physical weapon. It is the Word of God.

They will speak truth.
They will expose darkness.
They will call leaders to righteousness.
They will proclaim God's purposes over nations.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword...”
— Hebrews 4:12

The question is: Will we recognise the hour and have the courage to speak what God is saying?

The sword of the Lord is His Word—and His Word will accomplish His purposes.

Prayer for Divine Order in the UK — Hebrew New Year 5787

Heavenly Father,

As we enter the Hebrew New Year, 5787, and approach Rosh Hashanah, we cry out to You for divine order, wisdom, justice and righteousness in the United Kingdom.

Lord, You are watching. 👀🙏
Nothing is hidden from Your sight. You see the decisions being made by those in authority, You see the consequences of policies, and You see the needs and concerns of people across this nation.

Your Word says:

“He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.”
— Daniel 2:21

Father, we ask You to deliver this nation from unjust, corrupt, ineffective or oppressive leadership. Raise up leaders who will govern with wisdom, integrity, courage and justice.

Give our governing authorities wisdom concerning our borders, immigration, national security, communities and the protection of the vulnerable. Let every policy be measured against truth, justice and what is genuinely good for the nation and its people.

Lord, where there has been disorder, bring order.
Where there has been confusion, bring wisdom.
Where there has been injustice, bring justice.
Where there has been corruption, expose it.
Where there has been weakness, raise up courage.
Where there has been division, bring peace and unity.

We pray that Britain will not be governed by fear, ideology or political ambition, but by wisdom, truth, justice and righteousness.

Raise up Daniels in this generation—men and women who will speak truth to those in authority with courage, humility and love.

Let Your Word be the sword that pierces through deception and brings truth into the light.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.”
— Proverbs 14:34

Father, have mercy upon the United Kingdom. Turn our hearts back towards You. Restore what has been broken, protect what is good, and establish righteous foundations for future generations.

We declare: Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in the United Kingdom, as it is in heaven.

In Jesus’ mighty name,
Amen. 🙏🇬🇧

Sharon ❤️