Today I am very excited because this evening I am at a dinner with Gary Haugen, the founder of International Justice Mission. Having spent a week at work where the atmosphere was particularly charged with heated debates about the character of our political leaders, both in Strasbourg and now in London, it has been very timely to read about how Israel turned away from God their king and sought to become like everyone else.
I find it interesting that at the end of Judges, we read that all the other tribes of Israel turn against Benjamin. Then when they clamour for a king (and lose their distinctiveness), God gives them someone from this despised tribe. This person, Saul, may look the part, but we see how God judges the heart and the character of people. When the people ask where Saul is, God tells them that he is hiding among the donkeys in the baggage.
Then we see the measure of the man whom God chooses - fearless, trusting, steadfast and zealous for God's glory. That is the character we need from our leaders, and we need to pray for them. That is also the character people like Gary Haugen are trying to develop in obedience to God's call on their lives - sacrificial, undaunted, committed and servant-hearted.
That is the type of leader God is looking for, whether of countries, churches or our homes.
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