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When a 2011 Gallup Poll asked adults, “Who do you regard as the greatest United States president?” 19% said Ronald Reagan; 14% said Abraham Lincoln. Richard Nixon was dead last–possibly due to the Watergate scandal. In ancient Israel’s history, David was their greatest king. Rulers who followed him had a checkered history. At the time of the nation’s exile in 586 B.C. God had some very harsh words for those leaders—We read in Jer. 23: “What sorrow awaits the leaders of my people—the shepherds of my sheep; they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for. I will pour out judgment on you for the evil you have done… But I will gather together the remnant of my flock from the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back to their own sheepfold, and they will be fruitful and increase in number.” Notice: despite the failures of the leaders, God did not abandon the people. He promised to send a ruler who had integrity and would rule justly. We know him as Jesus the Christ. He fully obeyed the will of his Father. He died for the sins of the world and rose again. He is now the absolute ruler over heaven and earth. He lives in heaven but also in the hearts of all who accept him as Lord and Savior. Until He returns, we aim to live Christ-centered lives, to spread the Gospel, and to serve as salt and light in our world.
