Image by Melissa Clayton
So far in our study, we’ve learned what bad leadership looks like. From Luther’s changing of the Bible and omitting books, to King Neb abusing his power and authority for selfish reasons.
King Neb meets in secret with his advisors + officers and forms a plan to destroy anyone who didn’t obey his command.
Holofernes, like an obedient servant to his master, obeys. Not only does he kill people, he destroys herds + flocks, ravages lands, and burns fields.
King Neb didn’t even give them a warning that Holofernes was headed their way. He really wanted to teach the people a lesson on respect!
But they didn’t learn to respect him — they FEARED him. They lived in utter terror and fright.
This is no way to live.
We have plenty of people in the world today who are like King Neb + Holofernes.
While here in the United States we’re pretty lucky we have religious freedom, other countries are not so welcoming.
The spirit of King Neb killed millions of Jews and continues to persecute Christians today for their beliefs.
King Neb is very much alive in countries like China, North Korea, Nigeria, Egypt, Somalia, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen…the list goes on.
It’s hard to imagine what living in terror looks like when we’re so accustomed to the abundant lives we live. But people in this modern day and age still do live in fear — terrified of their own leaders who, in a democracy, are supposed to serve the people.
If you’ve ever suffered for a bit in your life and overcame, you know there’s good news to look forward to.
Yes, there’s always good news.
Because we serve an almighty God who is merciful, powerful, and generous.
Our God loves us, provides for us, and even disciplines us, not so we can fear Him, but so we can love Him.
The good news is, “that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
The good news is, “there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18)
The good news is, “God is love.” (1 John 4:8)
I encourage you to pray for our brothers and sisters who are living in terror and fear under the hands of a cruel leader. That they will be drawn to the Lord instead, and know His peace and love.
And if you are called by the Holy Spirit to act and be a voice for them, to set them free from fear, I pray you will be strengthened to do God’s Will.
Peace be with you, my gorgeous faithful sister.
