Jesus for President

Judges 8: 23 "But Gideon replied, 'I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The Lord will rule over you!'"

Gideon
has proven himself to be a very capable leader. As Israel's judge, he
routs the Midianites and makes a name for himself. After his victories,
the Israelites plead with him to be their "ruler." Gideon wants nothing
to do with being the king or their ruler. He tells them that God alone
will be their ruler. Gideon understands he has a specific purpose and
that God alone desires to rule his people.

I have been reading
"Jesus for President" by Shane Claiborne the past few days. It's a
great book contrasting "empire" with the kingdom of God. Shane points
out that God never intended for the Israelites to have a king or a
ruler. God alone wanted to rule his people. God knew what having a king
could do to a people. God wanted his people to be special, set apart,
holy. By having a human king or ruler they became more empire-like and
less God-like. Allegiances and hopes turn towards the king in an
empire. Under God's rule, allegiance, faith and hope are given solely
to God. I need to remember that my hope, and my allegiance belongs
solely to Jesus Christ.

Dear God, help me to follow you alone. Help me to be loyal to you and give you my complete allegiance. Amen.