Apr 10th

Leviticus 14     Proverbs 28     Psalms 17     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Proverbs 28 has several verses relating to national leadership:

“When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.” (v2)

“A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.” (v3)

“When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.” (v12)

“Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people.” (V15)

“A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life.” (V16)

“When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.” (V28)

It all sounds so contemporary, doesn’t it? Think of Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, Zimbabwe, North Korea … the list could go on. As dictators fall, there is initial jubilation, but then a power struggle opens up (as v2). When evil men are elected, people live in fear (as v12, 28). (Witness the mass exodus of Christians from Iraq in recent years.) When evil men rule, violence is wanton (as v15).

Whether or not we like politics or our coalition government, we are blessed to live under relative peace and stability. The Apostle Paul “urges” us “to intercede for kings and all those in authority”. Pray for our own national leaders, but pray too for tyrannical and wicked rulers - and for those who suffer under them.

(member of ordained staff)