In this day and age, it can seem as if all “rulers” are wicked. It is shocking, sometimes, the way the love of money and power corrupts even the most well-meaning, eventually. I believe that many people who rise to leadership on a grand scale, and even a small one, go into it with a decent heart…but just fall into corruption little by little over time. Character can seem like a lost pursuit. Most are simply determined to be in charge. We too often see someone with a pinch of charisma and/or talent and then shove them into leadership with no regard for the state of their heart. This is a sobering fact, I’m sorry to say. Then others seem bent on corruption even as children and those around watch them be raised up and wonder how on earth it is possible.
It’s difficult to not despair. It’s also difficult to know the truth about things. It seems that we are only ever told what “they” want us to think. We are only ever shown what “they” want us to see. This pertains to politics but also the church. “They” seem to be running everything…
Who is “they”?
I believe “they” is the spirit of the age. A demonic spirit…honestly, an anti-Christ spirit roaming the earth and causing mayhem.
The rulers of this age are wicked, it’s true. But it’s not a surprise and scriptures show us this.
Justice- do you rulers know the meaning of the word? Do you judge the people fairly? No! You plot injustice in your hearts. You spread violence throughout the land. These wicked people are born sinners; even from birth they have lied and gone their own way. They spit venom like deadly snakes; they are like cobras that refuse to listen, ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers, no matter how skillfully they play. Break off their fangs, O God! Smash the jaws of these lions, O Lord! May they disappear like water into thirsty ground. Make their weapons useless in their hands. May they be like snails that dissolve into slime, like a stillborn child who will never seethe sun. God will sweep them away, both young and old, faster than a pot heats over burning thorns. The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged. They will wash their feet in the blood of he wicked. Then at last everyone will say, “There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God Who judges justly here on earth.” Psalm 58:1-11
We can be assured there will be wicked rulers, but we can also know that God will one day show Himself. They won’t last. He is eternal. Waiting for the victory of the Lord can seem endless, but it’s assured.
I want to provoke you this morning. Take time and think about the scriptures we just read. Then ask yourself, “Have I developed my character enough to shoulder leadership?” Don’t be hasty to say, “Yes”. Instead, ask God to reveal your own heart to yourself. He knows you better than you even know yourself. Then allow Him to pour out His spirit upon your heart and mind. Invite Him to cultivate godly character within you. This is the way forward. This is the way we begin to establish godly leaders in our world again. We need them at every level…but starting at home. Will you join this conquest?
Family is the revolution.
God, establish our families. Lead us and mold us into godly men and women. Show us what it’s like to truly have godly character. We surrender to Your leadership first and foremost. Come and transform the world, beginning with our homes.
The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead. Proverbs 11:8
365 Days in the Presence 