In an age of turmoil in our country and around the world, it strikes me that perhaps we need more prophets and fewer kings! But to be brutally honest, it is easy to point at elected officials (“kings”) and say we need prophets, but the reality is that we all have a propensity to try to be king of our own universe.

Meditate on this devotional from our friends at One for Israel, then pause for some quiet time with the Lord today. All who chose to do so will be greatly enriched! Happy Lord’s Day!

"Then the LORD sent Nathan to David" (2 Sam 12:1). Ancient kings, like modern dictators, had the first and the final word. They were the highest form of government, the judge and the jury combined into one. This was obviously true for all of Israel's neighbors. But not for Israel! In God's chain of authority, prophets always trump kings. Israel's earthy king was a steward of the Heavenly KING. That is why Israel's king was called first and foremost to become a Bible scholar be he was to be a statesman (Deut 17:18–20). And the prophets of old were there to constantly remind the kings that their throne belonged to the Lord (1 Chron 29:23). Godly leaders must surround themselves with prophets, people who are quick to tell them when they are misrepresenting God's authority and/or starting to presume they have an authority of their own. Dear God, give us a passion to know and apply the Scriptures, and also a humility to surround ourselves with people who are ready and willing to correct us when we make choices which are contrary to your word! "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim 3:16-17).