A GODLY LEADER
A GODLY LEADER
May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor! May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more! —Psalm 72:4-7
This is a ruler that would be pleasing to God. One who truly is concerned and sincerely looks out for the poor. He would also be willing to help the children of the needy. This ruler would seek to be rid of oppression. This would be a refreshing and nurturing ruler. A ruler where those who seek to live for God would flourish and peace would abound. Now that is a ruler that God would be pleased with.
A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. —Luke 22:24-26
Unfortunately many rulers today “lord it over” the people. They exercise authority over the people and benefit from the people. These rulers are looking to themselves and what they can get while in authority. This attitude is easy to see as you look at many rulers that are looking to themselves and what they can gain while in authority instead of serving people and looking out for their best interests. Jesus said this is what Gentile leaders do.
He also said that His followers are not to be like that. Instead they are to be humble servants. This is how Jesus walked when He was on this planet. He was humble and He was a servant. His followers are to be like Him. They are not to be demanding or self-seeking, but servants and seeking to meet the needs of others. When His followers act like that there will be a peace among them and their righteousness will flourish. May we be like that! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUpfhoo5jzQ
Dear Father may I be like Jesus in humbleness, in service and in encouragement to Your people. May this be so in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus. Please forgive me in those times when I fail this miserably. May it be so.