The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 kings 9:3,
"This is what the Lord says: I anoint you king over Israel."
This is the message the Lord had Elisha give to one of the prophets to take to Jehu. The Lord had decided to end the rule of King Joram in Israel and replace him with Jehu. The normal succession of the throne from the king to his first born son would not take place.
The Lord decided who would lead the northern kingdom. As Paul says, the Lord decides who will lead each nation,
"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience."
"This is what the Lord says: I anoint you king over Israel."
This is the message the Lord had Elisha give to one of the prophets to take to Jehu. The Lord had decided to end the rule of King Joram in Israel and replace him with Jehu. The normal succession of the throne from the king to his first born son would not take place.
The Lord decided who would lead the northern kingdom. As Paul says, the Lord decides who will lead each nation,
"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience."
We should not assume the selection of the Lord is designed to bring peace and prosperity to a nation, but to further his agenda of redemption: God is building his family in this age. A leader might be good for a people - he or she might be for the worse for the people. It all depends on how the Lord is advancing his kingdom.
Whether it be President Obama, or President Trump, all of our leaders are established by God. That is what the Scriptures tell us and so on this Inauguration Day, I am reminded of the Lord's hands that really hacked the election!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
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