It has always been a struggle for people to live under the rule of God. Even the church has struggled with this over the centuries. We want someone we can see as our leaders. The church has appointed men of esteem into leadership positions. Then the people push on them responsibilities and privileges that God never intended men to hold. When they fall to temptation the people react by complain to God. Ancient Israel acted in the very same way. They wanted a man to lead them like all the other nations possessed. God had Samuel warn them of the costs to their children, but the stubborn and prideful hearts of people wouldn’t allow God’s truth to penetrate. I think that it is important for us to remember this lesson. When we confirm local leadership we should pray for them, but also not expect miracles from them. They are people just like us. Only God can provide the leadership that we, and our leaders, really need and deep down want. We should challenge all of our leaders, political and within the church, “to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age”(Titus 2:12). We should hold them accountable to the Biblical standards which never change, as opposed to our wishes that vary like the waves on the sea. When we do that in love they will be happy and effective leaders, we will be joyful followers, and God will be glorified.
It took me about 11 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart
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