As we look around today, we see tens of millions of people worshipping a man. They worship him so utterly that they will have no other for a leader. They worship him so completely that they will sacrifice anything – the rule of law, their own freedom – to have him above them.
The scriptures call this “idolatry” - the worship of men or statues or other things that are not God, rather than God.
Ironically, this struggle (which virtually defines our politics today) has its roots in the ancient Hebrew scriptures – the Old Testament.
Organized as “God’s chosen people”, the Hebrew nation maintained a structure of law and leadership ordained by God. The Almighty sent down his laws (by way of Moses), which were then expanded upon by Moses and others. To interpret and apply these laws, he called for judges who would rule as needed, establishing for the chosen people a workable social order.
This did not suit the chosen people. Rule of law? Judges to enforce them? That’s the Almighty’s idea of leadership and social order?
No!!! the people cried out to the Almighty, That’s not how it’s done! We look around at other nations, and they don’t run on laws and judges – they have KINGS!!!
Oh, you really don’t want to go there, the Almighty replied. Be content with the rule of law and judges to enforce them. This will provide all the social order you need.
We must have a king!!! the people insisted. And thus was Saul crowned the first King of the Hebrews.
Chaos ensued.
The point is blatantly clear: Jehovah’s original plan for social order among the Hebrews was, in essence, what we in the United States currently enjoy – the rule of law, enforced by judges.
And those who are in this moment railing for a king, those who want more than anything to worship a man, are calling for that king to rule, rather than the law. They wish for that king to be the law.
And who are the people who long for this? The very people who hold up that Hebrew bible as the blueprint for social order. One cannot help but wonder if a single one of them has actually read it.
If they did, they’d see the Almighty leaning hard into what we already enjoy; but, like the Hebrews, they reject it. They must have their king.
What happens next? The scriptures offer a clue:
Chaos ensues...
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