We human beings are suckers for putting all our hopes in one “perfect” man or woman to lead and guide us. Whether it’s our nation’s leader, our pastor, our teacher, our parents, we long for someone who not only check all the boxes but excel in them all. But they never fail to disappoint us eventually when we have been with them long enough. If we made a hero out of them, they WILL fail us at one time or another. We WILL be disappointed in them. It has to happen.

The reason is because all leaders are made to point to THE leader in Jesus Christ. Their role is to be almost perfect and frustrate us, so that we will look to the only truly perfect leader in Jesus.

I came to this conclusion reading about David and Solomon in 2 Samuels and 1 Kings. They were such good leaders. Probably the best leaders Israel, God’s nation, has ever known. And yet, their flaws are exposed as time passes. David’s escapade with Bathsheba and the aftermath. Solomon’s idolatry with foreign gods through his many wives. They were “almost” perfect in that, people put their trust and hope in them. Yet, their hopes were dashed when they fell…

We see this today. How many politicians, pastors, coaches fall from grace almost daily? And yet we keep on putting our faith and trust in them only to be disappointed in the end. But they were never meant to be the destination. We were only meant to be sign posts. If we are looking to the sign to Disneyland to give us as much pleasure as Disneyland itself, we will be sorely disappointed!

Yes, we follow and submit to our governing authorities. (Romans 13:1). But don’t expect them to deliver to us ultimate hope and prosperity. Only Jesus can do that. Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

PH