Truth > Public Opinion

I had an interesting thought yesterday afternoon, as I was listening to the political discussion of the day.

What if the nation of Israel responded to the failures and faults of its' leadership in like manner as we do in modern society with our leadership, both in the culture of politics and the church?

Can you see the headlines of the Israeli Times during King David's reign?

A Royal Affair to Remember. Our only question, what really happened with Uriah?

Or these other potential breaking news reports:

Moses banned from entering Promised Land for having disobeyed direct instruction from God.
E!'s True Israeli Story: One Fatal Haircut.
The First 48 Hours: Egyptian officials have no leads on the guard found dead; buried in sand.

And hundreds of others.

And yet, today's news and society, critics on every level, from every perspective and belief are quick to judge guilty without the full story. From the worst kinds of evil, to the slightest hint of impropriety, we go to town on our leadership as if we could do better without any wrongdoing of any sort if only given the chance to fill such shoes. Yet knowing the scrutiny we would be subject to, we decide not to risk it... choosing instead to join the ranks of those who point fingers.

Public opinion condemnation seems to stand with greater authority and impact than any judge or court could enforce; let alone what God would do, where He to release the restraint of His wrath and judgement, of which no one would outrun, escape, nor explain with any decent and reasonable justification should we be given any period of time to do so.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday for our leadership. May God guard their hearts and minds as they continue to do the work of ministry to which He has called them. Pray they would live and stand above reproach; not that their lives are perfect, but that they would not fall to the moral trappings and temptations that have taken down such good leadership in days gone past. Pray that God would help the church to use wisdom and discernment in our criticism, as well as our support, of both the leaders of the church as well as those in government. Pray for both current and future pastors; that they would remain committed to the truth of God's Word, to the ministries of the church and most importantly, to their families.

For what is unstable in private settings
Will become disruptive in public.
May we stand firm in the faith
As we rely upon God alone.
That His name would be lifted up
Despite our flawed humanity.

- PNC