What God Expects From Leaders

      As you probably know, I am based in the United States. We are getting ready to vote in a couple of weeks. It seems like this campaign has gone on for an eternity. I like the way they do things in the UK. The election was called, they campaigned for a few weeks, they voted. The election was decided the same night, and the next day there was a new prime minister. 

     I am posting today, with a mainly US audience in mind. However, what I am going to write has to do with leaders of nations everywhere. I want to discuss what the Bible says that God expects out of those who would be leaders of nations. I hope that people will keep this in mind as they go to the polls. I am not going to say anything about any of the candidates. I just want to relate what God's Word says. 

     One of the best passages that we can read about what God expects out of a leader in found in Jeremiah 22. In this chapter, God relates what He expected out of those who would sit on the throne of David. In verse 3, God says that the ruler must be one who does what is just and right. They must be a leader who follows the Law. 

     The leader is to rescue those who have been robbed from the hand of oppressor. The leader is expected to make sure that people are not cheated nor ripped off by those who would try to take advantage of them. Also in verse 3, God says the leader is to, "do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. These were groups that were often oppressed in Jeremiah's day. God expects the ruler to help those who are the most vulnerable members of society. Finally in verse 3, God says that the ruler should not shed innocent blood. 

     In verse 16 of this same chapter, the Lord says that a former king did what was right. He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and all went well for him. God cares about the poor. He expects the leader of the nation to take care of the poor and those who are in need and hurting. 

     Another interesting passage for us to look at is Psalm 72. This is a Psalm written by Solomon. In this Psalm, he mentions the things that a good leader should do. In verse 2, we read that the leader should judge in the right way. The leader should be just. In verse 4 we read that the leader should defend the poor and rescue the children of the needy. Furthermore, the good leader is to crush the oppressors of the poor and needy. In verse 12, Solomon tells us that the king will rescue the poor and needy and defend them from oppression. 

     God expects all rulers everywhere to do what is good and stand against oppression and do what is just. We see this in Daniel 4:27 where Daniel states, "Therefor your majesty be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be then that your prosperity will continue."

     These are just a handful of verses about what the Bible has to say about good leaders. However, I believe that you will see the point. 

     When you go to vote in the coming days, keep in mind what God's Word has to say. Pray for the guidance of the Lord in the decisions that you make.