Jesus is Our Leader

We have hope that Israel did not have. They were restricted and disciplined based on how they and their leaders maintained a relationship with God. We also are to maintain a relationship with God, but the responsibilities of our leaders are more restricted. Let me explain.

In David and Solomon’s era, the leader (i.e. King) reflected the spiritual condition of a nation. They could demonstrate their allegiance to God by maintaining obedience to God. God gave them four conditions, which must be met by any and all leaders of Israel in order for Israel to be safely under God’s wings. These conditions were given to David, but in 1 Kings 9, they are told to Solomon for a second time. The first time was at the consecration of the Temple, and in chapter 9 it’s 13 years later and Solomon desperately needs a reminder of the conditions required for God’s blessing on Israel.

The first condition Solomon is reminded of is that Solomon was to live in God’s presence – that Solomon was submissive to God.  Second, Solomon was to display pureness of heart – integrity and pertaining to morality. Third, Solomon was to do what God commands – not passive assent but in actual behavior. And, fourth, Solomon was to keep the laws and regulations of the Torah (the Old Testament Law). Solomon’s commitment to these conditions currently (13 years after the Temple dedication) were in doubt, so God mercifully reminds him and gives him a warning.

The spiritual condition of the leadership reflected the spiritual condition of the nation. And the people’s standing with God was determined by their spiritual fitness. This is true for us today. Our spiritual fitness and the promises of blessings from God are dependent on what our leaders are doing in the spiritual realm. It doesn’t matter what side of situations you find yourself on, there is corruption, greed, sin, lies, and dishonesty. Is our fate going to be determined by these leaders? Remember, these leaders reflect the spiritual conditions in with which each individual person is living.

I, for one, do not want my spiritual condition determined by the spiritual condition of our leaders. We are not going to have blessings because our leaders are corrupt. Don’t lose heart. For those who believe in Christ, our leader is not those in governmental authority! Our leader is Christ, and as we line up our spiritual lives with Him, we are guaranteed blessings. So, let us all place Jesus in authority over our lives, and truly have blessings coming our way in which we can be thankful this holiday season.