Who succeeds the leader? Everyone is looking for a leader to save the day. Who is next in line? Throughout history, Kings have established dynasties, but spiritual leaders, not so much. When Queen Elizabeth died, her son Charles ascended to the throne. Her long reign meant he spent a lot of years waiting for this opportunity. Now future generations are placed in a certain order to determine who the next monarch might be.
Spiritual leadership can be dynastic as well. When Eli grew old, his sons Hophni and Phineas were in line to take his place. But when they all died, Samuel was the obvious choice. But what about when Samuel grew old? He appointed his sons, Joel and Abijah to succeed him. Unfortunately, like Eli’s sons, they were corrupt. To be a spiritual leader, one must have more than a pedigree.
The anticipated vacuum of leadership caused the people to demand a king. Samuel’s feelings were hurt. Were they rejecting him? No. God said, “They have rejected me.” God had always been the King of Israel. But God gave the people over to their wishes. If they wanted a king, they could have one. Samuel saw Saul’s stature and inclined his heart toward him.
Every four years we elect a new President. But Christians have a higher and holier heritage. We are first citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Remember Paul as a Jew and a Roman citizen when he told the Philippians, “But our citizenship is in heaven.” This is true for us, too. So we pray for our country and we vote. But the Kingdom of God has no headquarters on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D. C. So we cannot place ultimate hope in any elected official. Knowing this insulates us a little from the chaos and commotion around the election.
Israel awaited the coming of their true King, Jesus. We await his second coming. Does it make sense that we could give more of our energy and emotions to his Kingdom than we do to any earthly leader? The Son of God has come once. One pastor said, “I’m not looking for signs. I am listening for the shout.” Some day our King will come. It could be today. Are we ready? We should definitely stay ready.
