Noble Leaders

“Behold, a king will reign in righteousness,
    and princes will rule in justice.
Each will be like a hiding place from the wind,
    a shelter from the storm,
like streams of water in a dry place,
    like the shade of a great rock in a weary land.
Then the eyes of those who see will not be closed,
    and the ears of those who hear will give attention.
The heart of the hasty will understand and know,
    and the tongue of the stammerers will hasten to speak distinctly.
The fool will no more be called noble,
    nor the scoundrel said to be honorable.
For the fool speaks folly,
    and his heart is busy with iniquity,
to practice ungodliness,
    to utter error concerning the Lord,
to leave the craving of the hungry unsatisfied,
    and to deprive the thirsty of drink.
As for the scoundrel—his devices are evil;
    he plans wicked schemes
to ruin the poor with lying words,
    even when the plea of the needy is right.
But he who is noble plans noble things,
    and on noble things he stands…

“And the effect of righteousness will be peace,
    and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,
    in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Isaiah 32:1-8,17-18

Isaiah’s prophecy concerning a future king and princes depicts an enviable host of noble leaders. They will not only lead in such a way that blesses their constituents and locales, but that sets a standard of wisdom and nobility against which fools are brought to naught. Righteous living is always distinguished from worldliness in practice and effect. God’s promise was for ultimate peace, security, and rest.

In most nations of the world and our smaller communities we have gripes with leaders, and can readily list those qualities we would eliminate or change, or the people we would rather have in power. Both elected and appointed officials can gorge on power and influence, with pride winning out over righteousness in decisions and performance. The result is often chaotic, with distrust, dissension, and opposition fomenting instability and discontent.

God-given nobility clarifies the distinction between truth and lies, thoughtfulness and haste, wisdom and folly, selflessness and selfishness. While there is no perfect command here on earth, those who rule in godliness will do much to promote welfare for the people and diminish iniquity. Each of us is responsible for our part.

How would those who work or serve alongside me evaluate my leadership? With whom, and in what situations, might I be a hiding place, a balm of love, acceptance, interest, and confidence? How can my presence be a shelter, my insight streams of water to the thirsty? What need I give up or do to stretch out leafy shade, to be filled with that fresh living water, to know the word that sustains the weary? (Isaiah 50:4)

What practices have I implemented that develop growth in godly character? When others observe or interact with me, what in my manner or actions could cause them to say I have been with Jesus? If I am to nobly serve, my heart and actions must align with God’s righteousness. (Acts 4:13)

Lord, help me plan and stand on noble things that reflect and honor You.