A community or a group of people need a person to organize, guide and lead, who is called a leader. There are several methods by which a leader is chosen, one among them is election, that has become people’s favorite, and that is prevalent in practice, in choosing presidents of the nations to the office assistant. However, God’s choice of appointing the leader for his people has been one of selection-i.e He chooses whom He desires and gives the baton to continue the leadership, as He shifted the responsibility of leading His people, from Moses to Joshua, in the promised land, the land flowing with milk and honey: God said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun—the Spirit is in him!—and place your hand on him.” Num 27:15 He established Saul as the first king to rule over Israel, when he became too independent, disregarding the voice of God that came to him, through prophet Samuel, the LORD installed David in his place and anointed him as the next ruler, who opted to be under the mighty hands of God  Jesse sent for him. He was brought in, the very picture of health—bright-eyed, good-looking. God said, “Up on your feet! Anoint him! This is the one.” 13 Samuel took his flask of oil and anointed him, with his brothers standing around watching. The Spirit of God entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life. 1 Sam 16:12-13 In the era of the new testament also, the sons of Zebedee aspired to be leaders, but  it was God’s will that Peter, who declared himself as sinner and asked the Master to go away from him, and that fisherman got a vocation to be fisher of men and later was prescribed with a new name and was stated with a great commission: And I also say to you that you are Shimon Kefa [Petros] and upon this TSUR I will build my Kehillah, my Chavurah (the Community of Moshiach) and the shaarei Sheol (gates of Sheol) shall not overpower it. Mt 16:18 In contrast to God’s mode of selection, man’s way of election, that often is inappropriate, cunning, deceptive, selfish and evil, and if we have eyes and notice the heads of states, nations and institutions, nationally and internationally, across all over the world would prove that God’s method of His selection and appointment is the best form of leadership, as explained by the parable:  7-9 When this was all told to Jotham, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim, raised his voice, and shouted:

Listen to me, leaders of Shechem.

    And let God listen to you!

The trees set out one day

    to anoint a king for themselves.

They said to Olive Tree,

    “Rule over us.”

But Olive Tree told them,

    “Am I no longer good for making oil

That gives glory to gods and men,

    and to be demoted to waving over trees?”

10-11 

The trees then said to Fig Tree,

    “You come and rule over us.”

But Fig Tree said to them,

    “Am I no longer good for making sweets,

My mouthwatering sweet fruits,

    and to be demoted to waving over trees?”

12-13 

The trees then said to Vine,

    “You come and rule over us.”

But Vine said to them,

    “Am I no longer good for making wine,

Wine that cheers gods and men,

    and to be demoted to waving over trees?”

14-15 

All the trees then said to Tumbleweed,

    “You come and reign over us.”

But Tumbleweed said to the trees:

    “If you’re serious about making me your king,

Come and find shelter in my shade.

    But if not, let fire shoot from Tumbleweed

    and burn down the cedars of Lebanon!” (Judges 9: 7-15) May we humble ourselves and ask God for the one who needs to rule the world, nations and all our institutions, that He be honored as He pleases to declare: 15 And I will give you ro’im according to Mine lev, which shall feed you with da’as and seichel. Jer 3:15. Let’s wait for the day where He appoints the shepherd that He has chosen to rule over His children, as per the plan of His Kingdom.

 

Abba, Thank You for the men who you selected, anointed and appointed to lead Your flock. Let Your Spirit give us humility to joyfully accept Your selection, and rejoice gratefully following him, In Jesus’ Most Powerful Name, Amen.