One of the best examples of how different it is to be God-allowed rather than God-approved is to look at the leaders and their leadership at the time of the crucifixion of Christ Jesus. The Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate of Judea, and the Roman-appointed Herod Antipas were not godly men. The Jewish leaders, Caiaphas, Annas, and many of the Sanhedrin council members were opposed to Jesus and would have recognized Him as the Messiah had they been godly men looking for the promised Messiah.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, and John 3:1-21 records his night visit to question Jesus about His identity and teachings. Nicodemus spoke up for Jesus (John 7:45-52) during a council meeting and helped Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus (John 19:38-42). Through the actions of Nicodemus, we can see that he is a man approved by God, while the other men were only allowed by God to hold for a time, their positions and place in history.
Paul explained in Romans 9:17 that God remains in control of history and even uses defiant, ungodly men to accomplish His ultimate plans. Romans 9:17 (KJV) “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.”
In John 19:10, Pilate warned Jesus that he had the power of life and death over Jesus. However, Jesus explained to Pontius Pilate that God was allowing him to have power over Jesus. John 19:11 “Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.”
God’s Purpose
God sent His Son as the Messiah at His divine time. The leadership that God allowed over His people and His nation, Israel, fit into His purpose of salvation for His people and for the world. God coordinates plans at divine times that we cannot understand. There are times when I have found it difficult to find a political candidate running for office that I approve of. I had to choose a candidate that I thought would vote in favor of my most important issues.
Seek God’s Approval
I hope and pray that we will all seek to be God-approved leaders, not just God-allowed leaders. As we seek God’s approval, let us remember to pray for others as we would want others to pray for us. We are all accountable to God for our actions and the motives that fuel them. Please pray for all of our world leaders because they need our prayers. God allows many leaders to lead, but He approves only a few as leaders.
Pray for God’s Purpose
Lord God Almighty, sanctify us in Christ Jesus as we seek to vote for Government Leaders that fit into Your divine purpose and plan. Jesus, help me pray for whatever leadership is put into place, even if, it is not the person I voted for. Governments and leaders may operate on worldly principles and not be interested in following You. However, I am comforted in knowing that You are in control and will use everything to accomplish Your ultimate purpose and plan. Help me trust You and lean on Your wisdom, mercy, and grace when I am concerned about the leadership over those I love. Lord God, please help me be sensitive to Your purpose in all I do and say. I want to be God approved in my motives and actions. In Jesus’ name, I pray that the love of God will be manifested in us, in our governments, and in the world. Amen.
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