1 Kings 16

Bible Passage: 1 Kings 16

That the world is experiencing a spiritual drought, we cannot deny. In Europe, America and Asia alike, the few encounters people have with God are during baptism, weddings and funerals. Without daily reflection, repentance and renewal, even the practising ‘Christians’ today have slipped into a form of worship and praise which promote self-seeking and self-glory instead of focusing their worship on God.

Back in the time of the kings, the people had experienced such a spiritual void too. Even God’s anointed – the kings of Israel and the leaders of God’s people fell into a stupor of sinful activities. As we read accounts of the reigns of kings in Israel in 1 Kings 16, we discover a serious lack of spiritual leadership. King Baasha (committed idolatry himself and made laws which caused the people to sin), King Elah, King Zimri (committed murder and then suicide), King Omri (recorded in the Bible as well as in history books as one of the most powerful kings during that period) and King Ahab recorded in this chapter alone.

A Leader

The more outgoing and gifted amongst our friends usually become the default leader in our group. In school, the more capable and ambitious aspire to be prefects and students leaders. In the workplace, we strive for recognition for our labours in the form of progressions and promotions – assistant manager, manager, senior manager, VP and above positions. The higher we climb, the more powerful we become as we have more people to supervise and manage.

The leader makes all the important decisions, he has the authority to delegate jobs to people under his charge, he directs and his subordinates carry out his instructions, he has the final say. And I think we would all agree that a good leader listens to the voice of his people, is humble enough to consider their feedback, commits to causes for the benefit of the people he represents, is a positive influence to his people, leads by example, gains the trust and respect of his people, and is able to rally his people together in times of need.

Being God’s child, what are our spiritual hopes and aspirations? Having received graces, gifts and talents from God, do we aspire to use these talents, to put them to good use, to give off our best in church for God’s use? We may be an A student in school, a student leader, a manager in our workplace, a successful businessman outside, but are we ready to lead in church, to be an example for others to emulate and to do things to benefit God’s people so they give praise to God because of your works? Do we aspire to do well in God’s eyes, as we do in our lives outside of church?

What makes a spiritual leader?

One stark difference between a leader in the world and a leader in church is that a leader in church is not given any monetary rewards, or ‘promotions’. Instead, he receives a fair amount of criticisms. If however he does well and remains a faithful leader and servant, he is rewarded by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords Himself. Start weighing the pros and cons and decide for yourself which is more worth it.

So what makes a spiritual leader? The Bible cites a few examples of good leaders and records the qualities of these leaders. Moses was one.

“Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth….he is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, even plainly, and not in dark sayings; and he sees the form of the Lord.” (Num 12:3,7-8)

“And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward” (Heb 3:5)

Which other spiritual leader do you know of in the Bible and what are some of his/her winning leadership qualities in his/her spiritual life?

We read of the powerful King Omri and all his acts of power. As with some great leaders, his name may be recorded in the history books and people refer to him with awe, but I know for sure that as a child of God, my greatest hope is that my name can be found in the Book of Life.

What are your thoughts?