April 1, 2026 -- Proverbs 8:15-16 -- In all the political tumult of this life, see Him, Jesus the Redeemer King

/

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

15  By me kings reign,
and rulers decree what is just;
16  by me princes rule,
and nobles, all who govern justly. Proverbs 8:15–16
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025).
 
In this pair of verses, me refers to wisdom. Wisdom exercised in the fear of the LORD is the crown of leaders. The fear of the LORD is pure—that is, the one who fears the LORD, does not toy with sin, nor give allegiance to God in some areas of life, but not others. Wisdom from God is available to all people, from to the least to the greatest who ever lived. Wisdom calls out in all these spheres. The creation declares the wisdom of God. The Word proclaims the wisdom of God. Jesus is wisdom incarnate, that is, in the flesh. Preachers dedicated to God, by their exhortations, declare wisdom. Christians by their way of life, live out wisdom so that others who see them are amazed at their serenity while life deals hard blows.
 
How does one recognize a good ruler? There was an American election, in 1992, where the successful candidate ran on the tagline: “It’s the economy, stupid”. Nope. That’s not the mark of a good ruler. Nor are platforms like health care, immigration policies, or building the military, the mark of a wise ruler. The Bible shows the quality of a ruler is proved by a fruitful life walking in wisdom guided by the fear of the LORD. Wisdom includes counsel—good advice, advice that leads to a nation experiencing peace (verse 14). The Old Testament is filled with references highlighting the fact that God’s rulers are to be wise, just, have sound counsel exercising their reign in obedience to God.
 
As you read these attributes, you realize all princes and sovereigns, emperors and prime ministers, rich elites and presidents are so flawed and weak-willed. Seeing wisdom exercised in the fear of the LORD can only, ever, be fully applied to Jesus. During His earthly ministry He was the man who honoured God in His life. He exercised the fear of the LORD with purity and integrity. He ruled with justice. Those who sought judgment, help, peace with God and peace with neighbour turned to Jesus. Regularly the people declared of Jesus, “He teaches with authority” (Matthew 7:29; Mark 1:22, Luke 4:32; John 7:46 et al). Such authority, exercised in both wisdom and the fear of the LORD was a theme of His life. His excellence on earth has been confirmed as He is now seated in splendour and power at the right hand of God, ruling all the nations. He is the Son of God, forever confirmed in His position as King by the authority of God the Father and affirmed by His glorious, earthly obedience to Him. Why does any of this matter?
 

  • When believers see earthly Prime Ministers, princes, Governor Generals and Kings ruling with less than perfect wisdom, believers are reminded to pray for their rulers.

  • When believers see the bad fruit resulting from the laws enacted by governors and prime ministers and princes and trend-setters, one cries out to Jesus, Who is the Ruler above all (Revelation 1:5)

  • When you experience the impact of bad governance and the pinch of laws that criminalize Christian behavior, with your eyes fixed on Jesus, you are commanded to live as did the saints of old, like Daniel, Stephen, John the Baptist. In the strength of the Holy Spirit, pray to God, trust in the Lordship of Jesus, and be confident that all you are enduring places you in the path of leaders so that your testimony will be heard at every level of life and governance.

  • When Jesus returns, dear believer, rest assured Jesus will judge all the living and the dead. When Jesus returns He will right every wrong and His rule and His justice will be so perfect, so fitting, so excellent, that believers will shout in praise, and the wicked, though utterly judged and cast to hell, will finally have to declare, in obeisance, “just and true are all Your ways, O King of the Nations” (Revelation 15:3).

 
Father in heaven, You have appointed Jesus to reign in glory. His earthly life confirmed His purity and utter devotion to You so that His elevation to Kingship in the eyes of the world can only be acclaimed in praise as Your excellent decree. Spirit of the Living God, lead us to be faithful in our prayers for our leaders. Urgent in praying for their salvation. Submitted in our appeals for Your help to lead us in the right paths, though these pathways may well lead us through the darkest of providences. With Job, let our souls declare, “For I know that my Redeemer lives” (Job 19:25). Amen
 
https://youtu.be/aoMhT5zBkdE?si=A15hncb1XnsZG-MP “Redeemer”
 
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.