Princes

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 19

And you, take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel. (Ezekiel 19.1)

Devotional Thought: Though I was quite young, I vividly remember when the announcement came at school: "President Kennedy has been shot!"  Teachers were weeping in the halls.  Students - too young to understand - were walking about dazed and frightened.  It was a day of great mourning and sorrow for our lost leader. 

The situation in Ezekiel's day called for mourning and sorrow, a time to "take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel."  The nation and its leaders were in a critical and precarious position.  I see many parallels in this passage to today's America.  Our nation and leaders are in a critical and precarious position.  It is time to "take up a lamentation for the princes" of America.

Who are the princes?  Ezekiel did not limit himself to the political rulers, but rather used the term "nasiy'" meaning "one lifted up, a chief, prince."  That term could cover anyone who was recognized as a leader in the culture: governors, merchants, priests.

Two questions come to my mind:

·       Who are "the princes" that we should lament over today? 

Politicians, celebrities, business leaders, athletes, media personalities, corporate executives, technology experts, military commanders - these and others are lifted up in our culture.

·       Why should we take up a lament for them?

Good leaders are in danger of becoming extinct.  People of character are excoriated.  Plutocrats have lost touch with everyday people.  God and his Word have fallen out of favor in the halls of power.

Take up a lamentation for the princes of America!

Prayer: O God, we ask that you restore men and women of honor to places of leadership, and that you would protect and strengthen those of good character to stand firm in their convictions.  For the glory of your name, we pray.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 32.8-11

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.

11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!