Which King will You Follow?

© 2015 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

I often hear comments regarding a presidential candidate’s experience, or lack thereof.  Many consider candidate experience to be more important than “irrelevant personal righteousness.”  This mindset has produced disastrous results whereby we are now overrun with perverted values, lawless behavior, and widespread violence.

In ancient times, the nation of Israel faced similar problems.  Constant attack by their enemies, the hostile marauding Midianite terrorists, had led to severe economic stress.  It was in this context that God, creator and King of the universe, chose a man named Gideon to lead His people to victory.  Gideon was neither a valiant warrior nor skilled politician.  However, he was a righteous lover and follower of God.  We first meet Gideon performing the non-glamorous act of secretly threshing wheat while cowering in fear of their enemies.

“… Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.  And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.  And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? …  And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?  And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:11-15).

The rest of this narrative shows God using inexperienced, but righteous, Gideon to deliver the entire nation from Midianite oppression by means of a small group of 300 faithful men who also loved and served the living Lord of life.

God says,

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Where can we find such righteousness?  It comes to those who trust in Jesus Christ, God the Son, who became the blood sacrifice for sinners.

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

He is,

“…the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15).

Who is your king?  Who will be king of future presidential candidates you support?

 

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