City Life Starter

By Aisha Darwesh

The Word: Deuteronomy 1:9-18

The Appointment of Leaders

9 At that time I said to you, “You are too heavy a burden for me to carry alone. 10 The Lord your God has increased your numbers so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. 11 May the Lord, the God of your ancestors, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised! 12 But how can I bear your problems and your burdens and your disputes all by myself? 13 Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”

14 You answered me, “What you propose to do is good.”

15 So I took the leading men of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them to have authority over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens and as tribal officials. 16 And I charged your judges at that time, “Hear the disputes between your people and judge fairly, whether the case is between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among you. 17 Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.” 18 And at that time I told you everything you were to do.

The idea of elected officials establishing order and ruling over the masses is a biblical concept. The Lord reigns. He appoints leaders and He allows leaders to exercise authority in their assigned spheres of influence.

As we dive into this issue of the Gospel and politics, it is clear to me that the Lord is not oblivious or indifferent to politics. If anything, He works through politics as we invite Him into each and every situation. Although God uses elected officials to rule, ultimately judgment belongs to God.

Given the many imperfect leaders who are in power, that is a very comforting thought. Throughout scripture, we find examples of leaders who miss the mark, but God works with them anyway. Yes, there are consequences for disobedience, but God will not despise a broken and contrite heart. I think of David, who loved the Lord and rose to power. He was a shepherd boy who was overlooked by his own father, but God in His sovereignty placed David on the throne as King of Israel.

Even though David was after the Lord’s own heart, David committed atrocious sins and struggled with his own character flaws. However, his faith and heart for God is what saved him in every situation. No matter what he did or how badly he missed it, he always turned to the Lord and had a heart posture of respect, intimacy, and fear of the Lord.

Application

No matter who you are or where you come from, God has given you authority and a sphere of influence that is unique to your own ministry and calling. Don’t overlook it or take it for granted. Be a good steward of what God has given you. Don’t brush it off like it’s a chore.

Are you a husband or wife? A mom or dad? Are you a teacher or even a student? You have a ministry and you have a voice to speak into that ministry. How are you cultivating the relationships God has blessed you with? Do you use people to get power or do you use your power to help people?

You may not think that has anything to do with politics, but it can actually have a meaningful, relevant, and profound impact. What we do at the very basic level in the simplest of ways has the power to change the world.

When God created the heavens and the earth and all the animals, He started its rulership with one man, Adam. From Adam, He fashioned Eve, and the rest is history. One man can make a huge difference. And when we join together, the results are exponential.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for placing me right where I am. I know it’s for a purpose. I submit to Your will and plan for my life. I’m making space in my life for You to be honored and adored. You are in charge of my life. I pray that You’ll guide me in my decisions day-by-day. In Jesus Name, Amen.