There can be no greater counsel

David Jones on how the Bible has much to say about those who ruled in their day

BY today, Boris Johnson will be moving into No.10 Downing Street as our new Prime Minister.

Before he makes that move, Theresa May will have tendered her resignation to the Queen and Boris will soon have followed to gain the seal of Royal approval.

One thing’s for sure: it’s not going to be an easy ride for the new Prime Minister, already there have been ministerial resignations, the most prominent being the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

There’s also a new leader of the Liberal Democrats, Jo Swinson, who in her maiden speech to the party faithful declared that she will fight tooth and nail to frustrate and trash the new Prime Minister’s intentions and there are many like her who are now gathering pace.

Politically we are entering unchartered territory, lines are being drawn, battle plans will soon be in place and Boris will need a strategy if his exit from No.10 will not be close on the heels of Mrs May – we shall wait and see!

The Bible has much to say about those who ruled and governed in their day.

The prophets of the Old Testament did not spare their words of condemnation towards those who ruled unjustly.

Such leaders were often fallible and had their weaknesses as well as their great strengths.

When the nation wanted a king, the shepherd boy David was chosen by God to replace the tired and discredited Saul.

Despite his youth and inexperience, David became the king most beloved by God and the people.

Moses was called to lead the children of Israel from the bondage of their oppressors.

He recognised his failings and relied on the God given resolve which equipped him to become the lawgiver and great leader of his people.

The Bible and indeed history itself gives many examples of those leaders who like us had feet of clay and yet whom history has judged as having accomplished great things.

There can be no greater counsel for those who seek to lead and govern than that which the word of God gives.

“Righteousness upholds a nation” and that greater command of Jesus, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

With that advice on board, those who today are given the responsibilities of leadership can learn from the past and look forward with confidence and renewed hope to the future.