I recently read an article concerning a large evangelical church overseas in which the lead pastor was implicated in serious legal issues. The thought of another fallen evangelical leader grieved my heart. I knew this would have significant repercussions across the evangelical church world and to those outside the church. I could almost hear the unchurched exclaim: “Another corrupt minister!” “Who wants that kind of spirituality?” “I’ll never darken the doorstep of a church like that!” “Now you know why I don’t go to church.” Sadly, these expressions are all too common in a day when spiritual leaders are failing and even secular leaders are failing to lead.
I’m reminded of King Saul in 1 Samuel 15. When the people demanded a king so they could be like all the other nations, Samuel anointed Saul – as God directed. But when Saul became prideful and feared the people more than God (vs. 24), he sinned against God and those he led. Saul tried to defend his actions (vs. 20) and denied that he had sinned, but when the prophet spoke the word of the Lord, Saul was confronted with the truth of this actions, and the kingdom was torn from his hands (vs. 28).
Earlier in the chapter (vs. 10) God spoke to Samuel and told him that he had rejected Saul because of his disobedience. The scriptures state that Samuel was angry with Saul for his disobedience and cried out to the Lord all night long (vs. 11). When sin entered the camp of the Lord, it was the man of God who cried out.
Today, we often have lots of turbulence that stems from the actions of our leaders – both spiritual and secular at the local, state and federal levels at times. I wonder how many of us have cried out to God all night long for our communities? Our leaders? Our country? Our churches? James 5:16 says that the effective, fervent (even all night?) prayer of a righteous man (or woman) avails much. It’s always easier to find fault with others in leadership, but finding our way to a place of prayer is much more effective. Since our battle is not against flesh and blood (Eph 6:12), but spiritual wickedness, it may be time for us to hunker down and cry out to God for our leaders across the land; because only God can change hearts and bring lasting peace in the midst of chaos.
No comments:
Post a Comment