30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
Luke 16 14-17 The cross and the kingdom of God 07 Leaders to repent at the cross
📖 Luke 16:14-17
10Apr2020 - *Leaders to repent at the cross* - _Luke 16:14-17_ - Bible reading: _Daniel 4:34-37_
_Luke 16:15 And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God._
Our leaders are doing their very best and we acknowledge their efforts but they must recognize that they need to reckon with the Creator God and repent before Him. National leaders must come to the cross. This needs to be our prayer for them at this time. They must realise that they are inadequate to handle this crisis. They must acknowledge that they have gone away from the God of heaven and earth and that this is the time, for them to return and repent before Him at the cross.
Leaders all over the world are still justifying their life and their actions at this time. _Psalm 49:11-13 Their inner thought is that their houses will last forever, Their dwelling places to all generations; They call their lands after their own names. (12) Nevertheless man, though in honour, does not remain; He is like the beasts that perish. (13) This is the way of those who are foolish, And of their posterity who approve their sayings. Selah_
Leaders must humble themselves before the God, who created the heaven and the earth. _Proverbs 16:5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished._
Without repenting and acknowledging the creator God, when man tries to appease God, it brings hatred to the heart of God. _Amos 5:21-24 “I hate, I despise your feast days, And I do not savour your sacred assemblies. (22) Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them, Nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings. (23) Take away from Me the noise of your songs, For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments. (24) But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream. God desires that justice and righteousness will flow like a river._ Justice and righteousness can only be found at the cross and that is why national leaders must acknowledge and surrender to Jesus at the cross.
This is what happened with Nebuchadnezzar. He was arrogant. _Daniel 4:30 The king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honour of my majesty?"_
The judgement of God fell on Nebuchadnezzar. _Daniel 4:33 That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws._
Praise the Lord, Nebuchadnezzar repented, when he hit the rock bottom of his life and God brought about a turnaround in his life. _Daniel 4:34-37 And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honoured Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. (35) All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?" (36) At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honour and splendour returned to me. My counsellors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. (37) Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He can put down._
Nebuchadnezzar then gave glory to God.
*Thought to ponder*
```Will we as the church pray that our leaders will repent and turn to Jesus at the cross?```