“you may indeed set a king over you whom the Lord your God will choose. And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold. And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel.” (v15a,17-20)
God (through Moses) informs the people that they are allowed to have a king if they wish – but God must appoint the king. There are some wise guidelines for behavior given, specifically around earthly treasures and the requirement to keep the word / commandments of God. Only if the king is devoted to God will the nation prosper under that king.
Later on in the Bible (eg. Kings & Chronicles) there are many kings listed, most of whom are wicked and do not follow these guidelines. Most focus on earthly wealth, worshiping false gods, having many wives, etc. and Israel suffers greatly (including returning to literal captivity, and slavery to sin).
It’s important that we not only obey God’s ourselves, but when we lead, or promote someone else to leadership (especially within the church) the leading is done with absolute submission to God. Leadership that is not submissive to God will not produce the highest quality of fruit that God desires for His people. Sure, some good things can still come from ungodly leaders, they’re not all bad and God can produce fruit from less-than-ideal circumstances, but the blessings of God will certainly be diminished.
Often times when it comes to our municipal, provincial, and federal leaders there aren’t any Christ followers in the running. It’s our role as Christ followers to take up that calling if God summons us, or at the very least pray for our leaders’ salvation and new Christ-honoring leaders. Are you praying for Trudeau’s and Pallister’s salvation and godly leadership?
Sometimes I feel like there is so much outside of my control – which is true, pretty much everything is out of my control. However, how I pray and who I pray for is within my control. My challenge for today is to raise up Christ-honoring leaders, be obedient to God as we lead, and pray for those leaders who do not yet follow Jesus, so that they may become our co-heir in Christ.
Father God, Almighty King, Most High Lord, we honor and praise Your name. Father please pour out Your wisdom and guidance upon those who lead us – in the church, in our city, province, country and world. Father please teach them who their true authority is, and where their authority comes from. Father please help us to be and teach the Christ-honoring leaders of tomorrow, raising up the next generation to lead Your people into closer relationships with You, out of obedience to Your commandments. Father we love You and thank You for Your countless blessings upon us, even though we have frequently strayed from obeying You. All honor, praise and glory be to You, our Lord and King. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training