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Day 132 Proverbs 16:10 Proverbs 16:10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king: his mouth transgresses not in judgment. 11 A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work. 12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaks right. 14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain. When it comes to power and leadership in the world today, not much is done for the people’s good. It all seems to be done for the good of the person in office. Solomon’s role as king was never in question, as his personal life was. He governed Israel according to the Law of Moses. God had asked him what he wanted when he began his reign and he asked for wisdom to rule over God’s people. 1 Kings 3:5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. 6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. 8 And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. 9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? 10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. 11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; 12 Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 13 And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. Not once did Solomon claim the people as his, but said they were God’s people and he wanted to rule with an understanding heart, and God gave him more than he asked for. Rulers today do not look at the people they govern as God’s people. They don’t even look at them as people who are deserving the same benefits they claim for themselves. They take as much power as they can for themselves without even a thought or care about what the people they govern think. It is all for their glory, not anyone else’s. Solomon recognized what few do, and that it is God who weighs everything rulers do on his scales of justice and mercy. Wicked rulers would come under God’s judgment. They didn’t just trespass against the people, they trespassed against God and would answer to God for their actions. As Christians, we have a duty to those who rule over us. We are to pray for them. We are to pray they rule with wisdom and integrity. We are to pray they will put the people first. 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; (KJV) We, the people, tend to forget we are to pray for our leadership and all those in authority over us. Instead, we would crucify our leaders, criticizing, and condemning them for all they do, or plan to do. Paul wrote that exhortation to Timothy from a prison cell. Paul wasn’t walking around a free man, able to come and go as he pleased. He didn’t have any rights and privileges as a prisoner of Rome, the highest authority in the land at that time, and yet, he told Timothy to pray for all those who had the rule over him. Even Caesar who put him in chains and left him under house arrest. God is the one who sets up those in leadership. Daniel 2:20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God forever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21 And he changes the times and the seasons: he removes kings, and sets up kings: he gives wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: 22 He reveals the deep and secret things: he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. If Paul could pray for his leaders, shouldn’t we? Shouldn’t we see the people as Solomon saw them, as God’s people. Shouldn’t we see the rulers as God’s rulers? Shouldn’t we pray for them? Shouldn’t we be on our knees asking for wisdom and understanding for those who make the decisions that guide our lives? Shouldn’t we pray for integrity in our leadership? Shouldn’t we pray for hearts in tune to God’s will to be done by those who rule and lead our countries? Paul said it was good and acceptable to God for us to do so. Solomon would not even consider the people his people, but God’s people. It is time for a change of heart from God’s people. It is time for God’s people to fall on their knees and pray for all those in leadership from those who rule our countries to those who guard our streets. Let’s pray: Father, I am guilty of not praying for those in leadership and authority over me. I am guilty of condemning my leaders and crucifying them with the words of my mouth. Help me pray for all those in authority over me, for rulers, kings, presidents, queens, governors, mayors, and the policeman on our streets. Help me pray for wisdom and integrity in every decision they make. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 18 January 2017 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay