Read: Jeremiah 37-38
Verses chosen for reflection: Jeremiah 38:4-6
4 Then the officials said to the king, “Let this man be put to death, for he is weakening the hands of the soldiers who are left in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man is not seeking the welfare of this people, but their harm.” 5 King Zedekiah said, “Behold, he is in your hands, for the king can do nothing against you.” 6 So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king's son, which was in the court of the guard, letting Jeremiah down by ropes. And there was no water in the cistern, but only mud, and Jeremiah sank in the mud.
Reflect:
The princes of Judah were adamant that Jeremiah was spewing nonsense about the plight of the city. Despite their wicked ways, they could not foresee the doom of the city, as prophesied by faithful Jeremiah. They said that Jeremiah was here to discouraged the people and the soldiers; as such, tried to do harm. Yet, we know that the opposite is true. Even through the most intense of persecutions, Jeremiah was doing all he can, under the command of God, to seek the welfare of the city. He was giving warnings after warnings for Judah to realise their depravity and repent. He was hoping that his beloved country can be saved.
Yet, the princes and many of the people could not stomach the truth. They seemed to be full of authority and bravado, but in reality, lacked courage to face the truth. While King Zedekiah seemed to be sympathetic towards Jeremiah and somewhat believed this was a true prophet, he did not have the courage to stand for what was good and right. He was a spineless king, who gave in easily at the detriment of the welfare of the city.
Relate
Some days ago, one of my pastor colleagues sent a meme which says: "if you want to make everyone happy, don't be a leader. Sell ice cream". Funny but in some ways, true.
Leadership is definitely not about trying to make people happy. I mean, if our theology is right, we know that nothing we do can really make all people happy. Either they have differing opinions or having different perspectives on the same subject matter. Or they could differ in the ways a matter was being settled and the list goes on.
There will come a point in time, when the leader has to make a decision between two differing wants or opinions. There is simply no middle ground. What does the leader do then?
Zedekiah was caught in between a suffering prophet and what he deemed as mighty princes. His choice was quick, gave in to the princes quite immediately but at the same time, tried to pacify and protect the prophet secretly.
Yet, how long could he do so? Was he treating the prophet right? Some might even agree that Zedekiah did the right thing. I disagree. Zedekiah was given kingly authority by God to do what is right. He did not have to bow down to the princes, no matter how seemingly powerful they are. If Zedekiah truly stood with God, he would have chosen to uplift the true prophet and rebuked the ignorant princes. But did he even love God and the people enough to risk his own reputation and life?
Like many leaders, Zedekiah tried to please all parties. In the end, the city suffered. The people suffered because of his lack of courage to do what was good and right. Yes, leadership is not for those who cannot obey God's commandments. Leadership is definitely not for those who cannot make tough decisions and try to save their own skin by trying to please all. When that happens, usually the people working with the leader suffers. So no matter if we are "leaders" at home, workplace, school or ministry; we pray that the Lord will give us good courage to do what is in His will when the time comes. For the sake of His people. For the sake of His Name.
Rest
Lord, you are the Good Shepherd who gave Your life even as we are so undeserving. You are so courageous to face rebuke and persecutions, for You know what was the will of God and persevered to the very end. Even as the end means a most painful death.
Therefore, give us insights into Your ways of leadership, so that we can follow and not sin against our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us to be humble as well. So that when we are being rebuked for our ways, we want to do better for Your glory. Amen.
Jason
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