The Mark Of Godly Leaders
The mark of godly leaders. Around 520 B.C. a remnant of Israel was released from captivitiy in Babylon and resettled in their homeland of Judah. Two Jewish leaders were appointed to oversee them. Zerubbabel as governor and Joshua as high priest. And Zechariah the prophet had a word from God for both of them.
The mark of godly leaders. They submit to God’s higher authority
Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord. (ESV, Zechariah 4:6)
Zerubbabel, a descedent of King David, was appointed as governor of Judah by King Darius of Babylon. And it makes you wonder. Did he feel a sense of royal lineage? A tinge of kingly entitlement? We don’t know. But we do know that shortly after his appointment, God spoke to him through the prophet Zechariah. It was a reminder on who was the final authority.
Thousands of years later, the potential for political corruption and abuse of power thrives today. And we recognize the difference between leaders who wield power over people and those who work for the people. It all comes down to who you represent.
Zechariah reminded Zerubbabel that he represented the Lord God who was ultimately in charge. Therefore, Zerubbabel’s power was subject to God’s authority. And the same is true today. Godly leaders should not let power avert their eyes from God. But seek His Spirit instead. Because the nearer leaders are to God, the closer they are to the center of His will. And leading according to His dictates.
The mark of godly leaders. They are first to keep God’s laws
If you walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. (ESV, Zechariah 3:7)
Joshua, a descendent of Zadok the priest, was appointed as high priest. And responsible for leading the people in all religious matters. So you’d think Zechariah’s words to him were unnecessary. After all, we expect religious leaders to follow God’s ways. Isn’t that what we pay them for?
And by God’s grace, most do. But even religious leaders sin. And unfortunately, we still see those moral failures in headlines too. However, it’s seldom the result of a sudden, significant sin. But a slow fade. The result of not keeping regular, spiritual company with the Lord and less diligence to walking in His ways.
But when godly leaders pave the way to following God, His blessings flow.
The mark of godly leaders. They deliver God’s charge to the people
Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart. (ESV, Zechariah 7:9-10)
The Bible presents consistent moral teachings that when followed, make the world better. Because they foster equality, fairness, and sharing among humanity. Not by legal mandates, but by moral agreement among the people.
Ideally, there’s a trickle down effect. God issues His law to the leaders. They acknowledge and submit to His authority. Then pass the law on to the people. And the people embrace it in their hearts and consciences in a desire to please God. Then live it out individually and collectively to form a better society.
Of course, the presence of sin will always play spoiler. And evil will cause conflict and suffering. But that will one day be abolished. In the mean time, godly leaders can help hold it back and influence those they lead to do the same.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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