From the Kings of Israel to the Presidents of America

With regret, I admit that my knowledge of the political world was (and still is)limited until this past summer (of 2009) when my dad began exploring a possible race for the United States Senate. For several months now, I have been following the world of politics with great interest – first because of the personal investment my family was making – and now because my eyes have been opened to the importance and necessity that Christians in America get actively involved.

I attended a Bible study at my church this week – Breaking Free by Beth Moore. I have always been a Beth Moore fan and have completed several of her studies. This morning, as I sat and discussed the first week’s lesson, an interesting parallel crossed my mind…

The first week of Breaking Free is a discussion of the reign of the different kings that ruled Judah in Isaiah’s day. It begins with King Uzziah, whose name means “the Lord is my strength”. Uzziah was considered a hero in his time – he faithfully fortified the city and raised up an army to defend it. He had more power than anyone in the Southern Kingdom. The only authority withheld from him was the authority that the priests had to serve in the temple. Uzziah's pride caused him to presume upon himself a forbidden role - that of the priest’s position. Something that had begun as a great work in Uzziah had transferred into an awful judgment as God struck Uzziah with leprosy.

The second king in discussion and son of Uzziah, was Jotham. Jotham learned from his father’s mistakes – by choosing NOT enter the temple. He reigned as a great leader “who grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God”…. with one exception. He did not remove “the high places” used for sacrifice and worship of idols. Perhaps his pride wasn’t an obstacle, but his fear of rejection must have been an issue for him. Removing the high places would have upset a whole crowd of people (a corrupt people at that). So a man of God ruled a corrupt nation.

The third king was Ahaz – son of Jotham. Ahaz must have seen that small “opening” of compromise in Jotham’s reign…..he had access to the high places because of Jotham’s decision. He was an evil king – even sacrificing his own sons in the fire. God showed his disfavor to King Ahaz and the nation of Judah by allowing them to be defeated in battle by the Northern Kingdom. The story unfolds further to show that the Northern Kingdom – in their victory – “slaughtered in a rage” and this greatly displeased God.


I love Beth Moore's discussion of our attitude in victory: “Which do we tend to enjoy most: God given victory or our foe’s defeat? Does victory humble us and bring us to our knees in thanksgiving to God, or does victory make us proud and arrogant toward those less victorious?”


I couldn’t help but think of the direction that America is going today. We have placed our Presidents on pedestals. We have put leaders in office that have found pride and fear of rejection to be their driving forces.

We appoint our leaders with the idea that America can save itself.


Now, with the changing tide from liberalism to conservatism, we find ourselves in a predicament. As Christian conservatives in America, will we fight for freedom for America? Or will we fight for freedom in Christ – for America?

“If we are to be leaders of any kind, we have even a greater responsibility to make liberty in Christ a reality in our own personal lives.”*

I have to believe that means being humble with each victory! Let us take this chance and this “lean” back to conservatism as an opportunity to put God on His throne in our own lives – and to be victorious without pride, fear of rejection, rage, lack of mercy, or compromise. (I am speaking to my own faults here). Our forefathers and our Constitution – as honorable as they are – are nothing without attributing everything that brings freedom in America to the only source of freedom. It is He alone who can rule our hearts and give us success in America. He is our victor.


“In all the world there is none but thee, my God, there is none but thee”



* From Beth Moore – Breaking Free 2009