July 24, Leaders and Kings
Today’s reading: Psalms 116-120
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes” - Psalm 118:9.
God is a leadership God. He works through leaders, but the tendency of mankind has been to put expectations on their leaders that should only be put on the Lord. This has led time and again to the glorification and deification of leaders, and that always gets people in trouble — for leaders are mortal and will eventually pass from the scene, no matter how effective or evil they are. Israel craved a leader, a king like the rest of the nations had, and it got them into trouble when they put the leader before their allegiance to God. Samuel had this to say to Israel when the demanded a king: “But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your disasters and calamities. And you have said, ‘No, appoint a king over us’” (1 Samuel 10:19). As a follower, are you putting too much trust in leaders, expecting them to do what only the Lord can do for you? As a leader, are you demanding more loyalty and commitment than is appropriate? You should pray for your leaders, submit to your leaders, but reserve your ultimate trust and loyalty for the take you down. Lord, there is a storm raging in my life right now, and I have been in a panic. Today’s encouragement really helps me to see that You are bigger and more powerful than any storm could ever be. I ask that You calm the waves that are terrifying me, and speak to the wind that tries to overpower me. I put my trust in You as together we weather this storm.