Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
Proverbs 28
Saturday: Jonah 1-4
Sunday: Acts 3-4
Stability is one of the key ingredients of good government; regimes that come and go are a sign of deep flaws in leadership. When a leader has deep understanding and knowledge, he will be able to maintain order. When a ruler lacks character, his nation will erupt in rebellion. The history of Israel furnishes plenty of illustrations of this truth.
In Proverbs 28:3, the original Hebrew literally speaks of a “poor man” who oppresses his fellows in poverty. In either case, mistreating those who are poor and helpless is an unnatural cruelty. It is like a driving rain that destroys the crops it should nourish, turning a life-giving shower into a cloudburst that unleashes its power without restraint. I do believe there is a difference between those who are poor and those who choose to be poor by the choices they make in life. A cruel leader is like a driving rain upon those over which he rules. God’s intent for leadership is not control, but rather influence. A ruler who dictates over his subjects has very little influence or respect.
Verses 15-16 teach us that a wicked man can cause plenty of trouble, but a tyrant can devastate an entire country! Here such a rogue ruler is compared to a lion or a bear because his viciousness is more like a wild animal than a human being.
In Proverbs 28:16, a tyrannical ruler lacks the basic judgment or understanding that all people should have; once again he is presented as subhuman. On the other hand, a leader who refuses to abuse his power for personal gain will receive God’s favor, and he can look forward to an extended life.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to be a leader that people can respect and appreciate.
- Lord, please help me to be a leader that allows people to grow, mature, and flourish.
- Lord, please help me to be a leader that produces contentment, joy, and peace.
Political
- Representative Ronnie Peterson – District 54 – Ypsilanti
- Representative Laurie Pohutsky – District 19 – Livonia
- Senator Dayna Polehanki – District 7 – Plymouth