God Chooses Leaders For His Purpose

Part 2 of 2 The Pharisees were a religious group of fundamentalists much like the “KJV-only” believers of today. They think they’re right but everyone else is wrong. They dragged a woman caught in adultery and threw her to the ground before Jesus for Him to judge her by the Law by stoning her. Notice, they didn’t bring the man who was also guilty. Pharisees judge others, but excuse themselves. Jesus turned the tables. He condemned the “religious leaven” that was so critical of sinners (like the church which is criticizing Donald Trump) but the Lord showed grace to the woman who was a sinner.

Herod was a partisan politician. He was corrupt to the core. He had “political leaven.” He had a party spirit like the Democrats of today. He ruled by dividing society against its segments, using jealousy and the power of the state to grant favors or to imprison opponents. He killed James and then jailed Peter but an angel freed Peter and later, killed Herod.

Jesus saw leaven, this party spirit, in His disciples. He didn’t permit it! They wanted Messiah to rebel against Rome. But Jesus’ kingdom was not of this world. It was among them, in the Holy Spirit. It wasn’t political. They didn’t understand this until after the resurrection and after Pentecost. Then they put the kingdom of God first over their nationality and over their politics.

God is not indifferent to elections or nations. God hates corruption. Isaiah said the Lord arises to contend; He stands to judge the people. He always begins with leaders ( Isaiah 3: 1315), then with priests (the church), then moves to princes (government), then finally, to the people. The greater the responsibility, the more severely God judges us. This is unavoidable.

“The Lord of hosts will have a day of reckoning, against everyone who is proud and lofty.” ( Isaiah 2:12) While in Florida this month at Ignited Church, I sensed the Lord saying, “It’s no longer safe for politicians to be arrogant against Me.” To that word, I say, “Amen!” Make it so, Lord Jesus.

Daniel told how King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was startled by God’s priorities. The king said, “He is able to humble those who walk in pride.” (Daniel 4:37) Nebuchadnezzar noted how God chooses rulers, placing “the lowliest of men” over nations. Don’t despise God’s unexpected choices.

King David was God’s favorite. He fought Saul righteously. He kept his integrity for years. Later as Israel’s king, he had terrible moral failures. He didn’t correct his children. He coveted a man’s wife. He had her husband killed. He didn’t repent until a prophet uncovered his sin. He was flawed but his heart was tender. God’s favor never left him. He died a successful king giving Solomon his reign. God anoints, and then He vindicates that choice.

The callings of God are irrevocable. Do you know what that means? He chooses leaders for His purpose, not based on party affiliation, looks, wealth, or religious ideology. God won’t satisfy our skewed criteria. None of us dictates to God. We must discern God’s hand at work.

God wants a leader for America who upholds righteousness and pursues justice. Not a perfect leader, but a person whose heart is after God, a leader like David who killed a lion to defend his father’s sheep, then killed Goliath. David was called, courageous, and capable. He was the kind of leader we need now to protect America, someone not afraid to face the giants.

“The Lord of hosts will have a day of reckoning, against everyone who is proud and lofty.” Isaiah 2:12