Godly Leadership Gows From Relationship with Jesus

“In those days, there was no king in Israel; everyone did as he saw fit.” —JUDGES 17:6

God did not establish Israel as a democracy or a monarchy, but as a theocracy. What this means is that God rules the nation by raising up men or women who were known as judges. They were primarily military leaders, but also spiritual leaders, and leaders of the judicial structure of the nation. God put His Holy Spirit on them, which people recognized and would follow their leading. This was the way God intended Israel be governed, but the people insisted on a monarchy. 

Several times throughout the book of Judges, it states “there was no king”, and this is not simply a statement of fact, but of frustration. All the surrounding nations had a king and the Israelites wanted to be able to predict their future and know who their next ruler would be. At their insistence, God gave them a king, but He warned them of consequences, such as tyrants and dictators reigning on the throne, heavy taxes for the king’s own use, subjects becoming slaves, and women becoming subservient, filling only domestic roles.

The history of this is of great relevance to the Church of Jesus Christ today, which is designed to be completely theocratic. Jesus Christ is the head and He raises up leaders, evangelists, pastors, teachers and elders. These are people recognized by the gifts God gives them, the work they do, and the evidence of the blessing and anointing of the Spirit of God on them. They do not act in either a dictatorial or democratic fashion, but are men and women who listen to God, discern His mind and direct the people in doing His will. This is what it means to be theocratic. 

It remains God’s purpose that we seek His mind, His will and His heart. Though a theocracy presents problems in being certain of God’s anointing on a person, we trust Him for His promise to guide us as we listen and obey Him. Henry Blackaby writes an excellent book on leadership, and he says, “Spiritual leaders do not try to satisfy the goals and ambitions of the people they lead, but those of the God they serve.” Later he says, “Jesus did not develop a plan, nor did He cast a vision; He sought His Father’s will.” The key to Jesus’ leadership was His relationship with His Father, and our relationship with Jesus Christ will be the key to good leadership. The church of Jesus Christ as always is a theocracy. Jesus Christ is its leader.

Dear Lord, help us to keep focused on your will and purpose in the church and to recognize the anointing of those in leadership roles. Thank You, Lord.

Do I recognize the Spirit of God in the leadership of the church I attend?