The UK discovered last week that it would soon be facing another general election to determine the political future of the country. France too is facing a general election for its next president, and US President Donald Trump is about to celebrate his first 100 days in office.
Christians often implore each other to 'pray for our leaders', but what is good leadership? The Bible doesn't feature democracies or political elections, but it has plenty of leaders: Pharoahs, Kings and Emperors to name a few. Scripture has much wisdom and warning for such figures. Here are eleven Bible verses about leadership.
1. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning (Daniel 2:21).
2. They set up kings without my consent; they choose princes without my approval. With their silver and gold they make idols for themselves to their own destruction (Hosea 8:4).
3. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it (Luke 10:24).
4. Counsel and sound judgment are mine;
I have insight, I have power.
By me kings reign
and rulers issue decrees that are just;
by me princes govern,
and nobles—all who rule on earth (Proverbs 8:14-16).
5. So the Lord said to Moses, 'Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him' (Numbers 27:18).
6. Jesus said, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place' (John 18:36).
7. Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith...Have confidence in yourleaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you (Hebrews 13:7,17).
8. Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord;
all the weights in the bag are of his making
Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness.
Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value the one who speaks what is right (Proverbs 16:11-13).
9. The officials of Zoan are nothing but fools;
the wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless advice.
How can you say to Pharaoh,
'I am one of the wise men,
a disciple of the ancient kings'
Where are your wise men now?
Let them show you and make known
what the Lord Almighty
has planned against Egypt (Isaiah 19:10-12)
10. Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground; they will lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed (Isaiah 49:23).
11. When the 10 heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, 'You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
'Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many' (Mark 10:41-45).
