Seeking Just and Wise Leadership

 LEADERSHIP

Where are we looking for leadership these days?  So many voices from presidents and prime ministers and those who are campaigning for such jobs, to leaders of health organizations, church leaders.  We all long for just and wise leaders to come up with good ideas and to be able to get those ideas fleshed out in laws and practices that can help many. 

Here's the kind of leadership God wants for us.

Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.  He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him.  He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart   until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.

Isaiah 42:1-4

Wherever we live we can pray for our leaders, that God will turn their hearts back to Him and speak and govern in the wisdom and grace of God. 

The prophet Isaiah also gives us many words to describe a person in leadership carrying out God’s agenda.  We pray today for such a person that:

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay.

He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment.

Isaiah 11:2-5

Loving God, we do pray for leaders that are just and wise.   We long for men and women to be people of truth and integrity who care for the citizens who vote them into power.  We pray for a spirit of compassion and humility to fill each member of parliament and that they would truly seek to know You, the one true God, and follow Your truth and make laws according to Your truth for every area of life. 

While we ask for that today, we also give thanks for Jesus, the one You have sent, who has come to us and where the ultimate authority of government rests. 

A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. His power will never end; peace will last forever. He will rule David's kingdom and make it grow strong. He will always rule with honesty and justice. The Lord All-Powerful will make certain  that all of this is done.

Isaiah 9:6-7