The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad! (Psalm 97:1)
For one to truly appreciate a fine meal, one has to be familiar with a mediocre meal — or even a bad one. The same can be said for many elements of our life; to truly appreciate the exceptional, we must be intimately acquainted with the commonplace and substandard. Putting it in Biblical terms, the wayward son didn’t truly appreciate what he had in his father’s house until he was reduced to eating the carob pods that were given to the pigs. That’s when he came to his senses and determined to return to his father’s house.
Now let’s apply this notion to rulers — presidents, prime ministers and kings. To appreciate a good leader, it helps if we have been subjected to leaders who are, at best, average. To really appreciate an exceptional leader, perhaps we need to suffer under the rule of one who is ineffective and weak, or worse, a tyrant. I can’t help but think of Israel under Saul’s leadership; it started going well but then declined as Saul became filled with pride and selfish ambitions. After he fell, David ascended to the throne and the nation prospered mightily under his guidance.
All of this is to say that, the very best of leaders we have experienced in our life, or that history celebrates, cannot compare to the King who is coming. When the Lord reigns, the earth will rejoice and the nations — even those who have been antagonists to God’s people — will be glad. Like the prodigal who realizes that serving in his father’s house was far superior to being the master of his own way, wayward nations will come up to Zion to worship the Messiah. All, near and far, who were compelled to struggle and toil under the heavy hand of earthly rulers will celebrate when the King of Kings liberates them, and restores righteousness, justice and truth to the earth. Even so, come Lord Yeshua.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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