The Power of Godly Leadership

The power of Godly leadership reminds us to value and pray for those in authority and to follow God’s guidance with faith and humility.

“After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the LORD, ‘Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?’ The LORD said, ‘Judah shall go up.’”—Judges 1:1–2

During their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, Israel had been led by Moses and then Joshua—men who knew God. But when Joshua died, a change took place, and things were done by leaderless groups. For example, “the sons of Israel” inquired of the Lord. And Judah (an entire tribe) asked Simeon (another tribe) to fight with them.

Eventually, a generation arose “who did not know the LORD or the work that he had done for Israel.” These people sinned, served idols, and “abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers” (Judges 2:10–12).

One of the reasons for this spiritual decline was the absence of godly leaders who would remind the Israelites of God’s Word and warn them about disobedience. In times of desperation, when the Israelites recognized their need for spiritual leaders, they blessed the Lord because “the leaders took the lead in Israel” (Judges 5:1–2).

But Israel continued to struggle. As the last verse in Judges tells us, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).

The Bible teaches us to value leaders: “Obey your leaders and submit to them” (Hebrews 13:17). Pray for “all who are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Today, pray for the leaders of your country, city, church, family, and the body of Christ. Ask God to help you be faithful.

Reflection Question: How can you support and pray for your leaders today?