This is a tough one. Leaders in the old testament were “anointed” meaning that they had oil put upon their heads and God selected them to be the leader. Saul, was anointed to be King of the Israelites. (1 Samuel 10:1)
This was a one time happening, an appointment to a position of sorts. The person was appointed by God to do the job.
The anointing of God, however, is an ongoing thing. A relationship with God Almighty that was ongoing.
“12 Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had left Saul.” 1 Samuel 18:12
This is why we should read our Bibles and pray daily so that we can be fruitful for God — Jesus is “God with us” — we want to be WITH him. Anointing is an active expression not a point in the past. John 15:5 says:
” 5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
So, what if we’re abiding in the anointing of God, but our leaders who have been appointed (and at one time, we hope anointed) ARE NOT! What then? What do we do with our followership when the leadership is lacking?
First, remember that we cannot see into the heart of our leader any more than they can see into ours. All we know is our own viewpoint, which is as in a glass darkly, but we shall see clearly one day. But, what do we do with our followership when leadership is severely lacking?
I think we can see some insight into the life of David. David was being hunted by Saul, totally misunderstood and persecuted. When Saul came into a cave to relieve himself, David had the perfect opportunity to kill Saul, and yet, he didn’t. We look at 1 Samuel 24:10-13:
10 This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD’s anointed.’ 11 See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. 12 May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. 13 As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.
Also, look at what happened to David. David was not cornered in a cave to whimper like an animal, go back to 1 Samuel 18:14-15:
“14 In everything he did he had great success, [a] because the LORD was with him. 15 When Saul saw how successful [b] he was, he was afraid of him.”
God will prosper those leaders who have his ongoing anointing. Even if they aren’t in charge of EVERYTHING, they are in charge of something. He will bless and prosper their hand for what they are in charge of.
Understand that this can spark incredible jealousy and anger from those who are not under the current anointing of God. To see God blessing others brings to mind when they used to see His blessing and as long as those leaders depend upon their own strength, they will continue to be frustrated and diminish.
This is what I pull out of this:
- We are to not lift our hands to harm God’s anointed. They will see that we had the chance but did not harm them, and if they did not, it is OK.
- Understand that often God’s punishment within a man’s soul is much deeper than that which any man could inflict. God handles justice and we should not wish His displeasure upon anyone.
- God will judge between us and our leaders. God avenges we do not.
- Those who do evil such as gossip, backstabbing, and plotting are EVIL MEN. We won’t do it if we are indeed good.
- Leaders who are appointed to a position but are not under God’s leadership will bear NO FRUIT and will resent THOSE WHO DO! This, however, does not relieve us of our responsibility to honor their position.
This is tough because we want God to come in and just give us justice. Let us not forget that we too are humans with many faults and we should be glad God doesn’t give total justice, because we’d be punished terribly!
Tomorrow, we will look at what do do when a leader is bringing harm upon those he leads: Nabal and Abigail.
If you want to see past posts in this area, just click on “leadership” below.
Photos licensed under IStock Photo, you do not have permission to reuse.