“Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.” Psalm 58:1-2 NIV
During a fourteen-month period from January 2024 through February of this year 2025, there will be approximately 90 countries installing new leadership, including the United States on January 20, 2025. There were more national elections held worldwide in 2024 than any year in history, and with that new leadership has been installed. The Bible says in Romans, “The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (13:1b niv) We may not all be pleased with the leaders God has place for us in our country, but it is for His purposes.
Every government leader in the world has the same responsibility towards God to rule righteously. Their authority is given and ordained by God. We all can testify most world leaders are not following through with their obligation. Citizens had the same problem thousands of years ago. David wrote the 58th Psalm as a lament against tyranny, wicked leaders, and judges. He criticized the rulers for being silent in righteous matters. “Do you rulers indeed speak justly?” (1:1a niv) And he questioned their integrity in administering justice. “Do you judge people with equity?” (1:1b niv) The answer to both questions is no. In fact, they were doing just the opposite, devising evil schemes that resulted in cruel injustice. Not much has changed over time.
There have been and still are government leaders who try to do the right thing for the people. But with the current situation the world is in we need a lot more of them. This pass election year was a pivotal point for most countries in the world in how they will govern in the future. People across the globe have expressed their dissent with the violence, chaos, drug cartels, corruption, and instability of their countries. And most voted in that way. These newly elected rulers have their work cut out for them. First and foremost is the recognition that their position is authorized by the God of the universe, and they are accountable to Him. The second is to rule righteously and administer justice according to the one who gave the authorization to govern. Third, and this is for us, to pray for our leaders wherever we reside.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1Tim.2:1-2 niv)
Word for the Soul 