Responsibility of Rulers

Psalm 76:1-12

To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song of Asaph.

“In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.  In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.  There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.” (Psalm 76:1-3)

People across America know President Obama’s name, but few, other than his neighbors in Chicago know him personally.  In the same way. God created the world, and many people know his name but few know him personally, except in Israel.  One of his special places, Salem or as it is called in the New Testament, Salim or peace was like a vacation home where he came to relax.  Zion or the temple district of Jerusalem was his everyday home, and he was well known in both places.  It was in Zion where he conducted his most important business, defeating those who fought Israel.    

“Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.  The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.” (Psalm 76:4-5)

It is even better to be with God than on a hunting trip to the mountains to get away from the daily pressures.  Those who oppose have been defeated and lost everything.  Many have died and even those who remain have found themselves powerless, as if they had had their hands chopped off. 

“At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.  Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?” (Psalm 76:6-7)

Just a word from God can stop even the most determined person.  God’s power is beyond comprehension and only a fool would try to stand against his anger. 

“Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still, When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth.  Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.” (Psalm 76:8-10)

The first word translated Judgment means justice, while the second word  refers to delivering a verdic in a case.  God has declared what is just or right so all could know.  The whole world stood in fear when God arose to pronounce his verdict about their sin and what needed to be done to make things right for the meek, those who had been victimized.  Even those who were upset by what happened would praise God for his decision, and be prevented from trying to avenge themselves. 

“Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.  He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.” (Psalm 76:11-12)

Keep your promises to God and show him proper respect.  After all, he can totally eliminate the pride of business leaders and will judge the governments and political systems in a terrible way, holding them accountable for every action they have taken. 

Those leaders are there as representatives of God as Romans 13:1-4 tells us, and have been given special authority.  “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

Along with that special authority comes a special level of accountability, because their actions affect so many people.   James 3:1 warns, “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.”  Leaders, whether religious or secular, have a very high level of responsibility for their actions.  They may not be aware of the damage their actions cause, but they will still be held accountable.   Many who seek such power are unaware of the responsibility that goes with it. 

For example, in today’s world, politicians think nothing of breaking political promises or lying about things, but Revelation 21:8 declares, “…and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”  They will be accountable for all those lies they told for political expediency, for the people who lost their homes or businesses due to their decisions or were murdered because they allowed a murderer to go free.  Their judgment will be terrible.