Dear friends, one of the major concerns in the world today is the War situation. While Russia is engaged in a war with Ukraine and Israel with Gaza, tensions are increasing between various other nations all across the globe. Besides this, many countries have internal conflicts mainly because of political issues. The tensions, whether across nations or within a nation, are a direct result of the actions of the leaders in power - leaders who have no regard for God or His people.
Now, according to the Bible, all leaders are appointed by God Himself. Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. (Romans 13:1). Further, we are told why God has appointed leaders. They are God's servants working for your own good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of them, because their power to punish is real. They are God's servants and carry out God's punishment on those who do evil. (Romans 13:4). Although it appears that the people are the ones who elect a leader, it is God, who has allowed a particular leader to come to power. He does it for the good of everyone including His people. And therefore, it is the moral obligation of the people of every nation to support their leaders. For us Christians who believe in God, it is a religious obligation; because the next line says… For this reason, you must obey the authorities—not just because of God's punishment, but also as a matter of conscience. That is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working for God when they fulfill their duties. Pay, then, what you owe them; pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor for them all. (Romans 13:5-7).
In the Bible, mention is made for the first time of a person appointed as a leader by God not of one nation but many. Cush had a son named Nimrod, who became the world's first great conqueror. (Genesis 10:8). Nimrod was originally a hunter – but not an ordinary hunter. The following verse tells us… By the LORD's help he was a great hunter… (Genesis 10:9). Undoubtedly, the same God who helped him in hunting was now helping him conquer many nations… (Genesis 10:10-12). Therefore, Nimrod, the first Emperor was helped by God. Later on, many other Emperors and kings would follow. God is the one who raised each of them to lead the nation (s) because He wanted them to work for the good of all the people.
When Israel came into existence (Genesis 32:28), it did not have a king at first because God Himself was their king – until they rejected Him and demanded a king like the rest of the nations. (1 Samuel 8:7). The first king to rule was Saul. But he turned out to be very cruel and the people suffered under his rule. He was seen as a man driven by lust for power. He became jealous even of his officer David and attempted to kill him. Did God make a mistake in appointing such a leader? Certainly not. God wanted His people to realise that only He is the true King. After they suffered enough, He had mercy on them and appointed David to rule Israel. This shows that often God allows such leaders to come into power especially when the whole nation disregards Him. But at the right time, He shows mercy.
Many kings came to power after David. Although no king was as good as him, God promised His people a King who would rule them with love, justice, and integrity. That King we know is Jesus. Kindly note what Jesus said when He came into this world… "My kingdom does not belong to this world; if my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish authorities. No, my kingdom does not belong here!" (John 18:36). Jesus was talking about the Kingdom of heaven to which we all belong – all of us who believe in Him. St. Paul would say later… We, however, are citizens of heaven, and we eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven. He will change our weak mortal bodies and make them like His own glorious body, using that power by which He is able to bring all things under His rule. (Philippians 3:20-21). Therefore, Jesus will ultimately become the ruler of all things created in heaven and on earth.
Now, as Christians, we may live in different nations. We may have different human leaders. But we all belong to Christ. He alone is our ruler and we live for Him alone. (2 Corinthians 5:15). However, we have this one obligation towards the human leaders here on earth – to pray for them. St. Paul writes… First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct. This is good and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4). The ultimate purpose of God as we can see here is two-fold. In the first place, God wants His people to conduct their lives in a way that is pleasing to Him so that ultimately they are saved. Secondly, He wants them to be witnesses of Christ to those around them so that many others may come to know the truth and be saved. All this is possible if we pray to Him, first to give us the right human leaders. And once these leaders are elected, we need to keep praying for them that they may govern the nation in a way God wants them to so that God’s ultimate purpose is served - the proclamation of the Good News and the salvation of many souls. This is what God requires every Christian to do.
Let us, therefore, turn to Our God in prayer asking Him to give us the right leaders. Let us have the confidence that Daniel had… "God is wise and powerful... He makes and unmakes kings...” (Daniel 2:20-21). God alone can bring down a leader who is not serving His purpose. He brings down powerful rulers and reduces them to nothing. (Isaiah 40:23). He alone has the power to appoint another human leader who will work for the good of His people. He has done it in the past. He will do it again. Let us keep praying.