“Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.” Proverbs 28:15
Devotional Thought For The Day
From little on up we have contemplated the dread of “lions, and tigers, and bears.” This proverb describes wicked rulers who have taken up the character of these brutish carnivores. It is a great wickedness when rulers and those in authority consider those under them to be prey for their own consumption. This is especially the case when the people are poor; such people are already suffering poverty but the wicked ruler becomes even bolder and more rapacious and the agony of the people increases dramatically. What is described is obviously a terrible and depressing reality – and sadly there have been many people whose lives were spent under such circumstances [think North Korea, for example].
We are to submit to political authorities, to honor and obey them [unless they demand that we do something contrary to God’s Word – Rom. 13:1-7; Acts 5:29], and we are not to speak evil of rulers [Acts 23:5]. However, we do not honor or support the evils that a wicked ruler engages in, and those ruled should be free to voice both concern and disapproval of such behaviors. This is rarely the case with despots and tyrants, who consider it their prerogative [in that it is within their power] to silence all opposition, with death if necessary. We should pray for all those living in such suppression, do all that we can to remedy their horrid circumstances, and especially do all that we can to avoid such circumstances with our own rulers. Government is a great blessing from God; bad government has been one of the worst consequences of human sin and one of the greatest causes of human suffering and misery.
We can contrast this with God’s governance and rule. He sent His only-begotten Son to die for us, to redeem us from sin, iniquity, and guilt. Everything He does He does for us, for our greatest good and benefit. Even allowing a wicked ruler for a time benefits humanity; we are better able to view the true character of sinful human beings and become more aware of our need for forgiveness, mercy, and the help of God. And He does grant mercy to poor people and deliver them from wicked rulers in His own time and manner. When we support humanitarian efforts of all kinds – including lawful and orderly immigration – we are engaging in a very godly endeavor. When we support the poor among our own citizens – not confirming and enslaving them in poverty by enabling laziness and non-productivity, but by training and encouraging them to engage in labor so that they may better take care of themselves and those dependent upon them, we are also engaging in a very godly service. However, if we allow our selfishness and greed to pillage community resources and deny them to others, we are little better than wicked rulers.
After considering these things for many years we become all the more eager for the perfect rule and conditions of God’s heavenly kingdom and the new age to be instituted by His coming in glory on Judgment Day. In the interim, however, we have opportunity to do what we can to influence government and those in authority to do all that they can for the greatest good and benefit of all people. We must keep in mind that we will never create another Garden of Eden, or some perfect Republic, in this fallen world of sin. Thanks be to God that He has provided us with His forgiveness and salvation, so that we already have citizenship in a perfect place in our future [Phil. 3:20]. Until then let us pray and work hard to alleviate suffering and poverty, and to counter the effects of wicked rulers.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, preserve us from becoming prey to wicked and devouring rulers. Watch over, protect, and grant special favor to those who suffer repressive and wicked rulers. Especially we ask Your protection and blessing upon our brothers and sisters of faith who face persecution, torture, misery, and death for the sake of Your Name and Your kingdom under wicked rulers. Help us all to persevere and endure to the end, that we may enter Your glorious and perfect kingdom. Amen.