Who Should Rule?

Day Twenty-Five

Who Should Rule? (Read Proverbs 10:23-32

"Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and Senators and Congressmen and Government officials but the voters of this country." ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

Today's reflection comes a day after an assassination attempt on the former President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, who is currently running for a second term. The constant evil afflicted upon all parties of government is heartwrenching. The aftermath leads to blame, resentment, and often civil unrest despite all the public cries for peace and unity.

Reflect for a moment on these four questions:

1. Who should rule?
2. What is their purpose and function?
3. Where do you derive your definition of purpose and function?
4. Who in the history of the world has ever succeeded in doing this thoroughly and honestly?

²⁸ The hopes of the godly result in happiness,
    but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.

²⁹ The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity,
    but it destroys the wicked.

³⁰ The godly will never be disturbed,
    but the wicked will be removed from the land.

³¹ The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice,
    but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.

³² The lips of the godly speak helpful words,
    but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.

Wisdom constantly reminds us that an effective leader leads wisely for the benefit of others. But despite hefty promises, sin always prevails and will be the ruin of wicked leaders. How the wicked speak displeases God and provokes everyone who listens and votes. The righteous, however, are steadfast and centered on the power of God, and nothing shall be able to separate them from the love and sovereignty of God.

Our Scripture gives clear-cut instructions for how to live and lead others. Yet, time and time again, we witness how power, glory, and prestige contaminate integrity and bring out the worst in people. This is true of all leaders from all around the world and from all walks of life. 

The average age of an empire is 250 years, and America is 248 years old. If history repeats itself, as it usually does, then the world as we know it will cease to exist. When fallen leaders lead fallen people, it's only a matter of time before that nation of people falls from power. Any form of leadership and community that ignores the wounded, excluded, and suffering is displeasing to God, and God will allow their fallen nature to be their demise; history validates this truth. 

Most Americans have the right to vote and are encouraged to exercise that privilege and right. When you look at the options to lead the free world, it's disheartening at best. Regardless of who you vote for, if you're honest with yourself, you see every candidate's shortcomings and don't entirely agree with their positions or how they present themselves, but you must vote for someone. To refuse to vote is a vote in itself.

History proves God is true to his word; the wicked will not rule the world. The righteous will prevail and live forever with God. If Jesus is true to his word, he will come back soon and become the world's most influential and prominent leader in history, and there will no longer be any wounded, excluded, or suffering. The wicked will be eliminated once and for all, and peace will prevail throughout the land. May God keep us and bless us until that day comes.