Proverbs 28:12. When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
If you live in America, chances are an election has just taken place or will take place soon. No matter where you are reading this from, you likely can relate to the truth of this proverb. We all want righteous rulers to triumph, and none of us want the wicked to rise.
Of course, in the time of this proverb’s writing, kings and rulers were not elected. They might ascend to the thrown through conquest or intrigue, but most likely through royal succession. In ancient Judah the kings were a mix of righteous and wicked. Righteous kings like David, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah brought glory to the land. Wicked kings like Rehoboam literally split the kingdom.
The New Testament teaches us that God has ordained governments for the promotion of righteousness and the punishment of wickedness. Therefore, we are not only talking about man’s glory here, but also the glory of God. When the righteous triumph, God is glorified. Governments are an instrument of his justice. Even imperfect, ungodly governments are used by God to do his will. Why would God allow the wicked to rise to power? Because when the people run and hide, they might just hide in him.
But this proverb isn’t just true on a national level. The principle holds on all levels. We all want a righteous boss, manager, coach, professor, pastor. Someone who will be a kind servant to all. Someone who will promote justice and flourishing. Someone who will not show partiality. Someone who will love enough to confront wickedness. And when we don’t have these kinds of leaders? We hide ourselves, don’t we? We change jobs, switch churches, quit the team, stop participating.
The great hope of the Christian is that ultimately the Righteous has triumphed over all things. Jesus Christ the righteous rules the universe, seated on Heaven’s throne, as all things are being placed under his feet.
1 Corinthians 15:24-26. 24Then comes the end, when [Jesus] delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
When Christ reigns, there will be no more wickedness. When Christ reigns there will be no need to hide ourselves. Perfect love will welcome us into his presence, and transform us into his image fully and forever. We will be like him in glory, honor, and victory.
Until that day, chances are you are in charge over something. Household. Workplace. Ministry. Community group. Team. Department. City. Town. Where do you rule and reign in Christ? Is there great glory there? Are you a righteous ruler? One that uses your position to help others and not yourself? That’s the kind of ruler Jesus is. In laying down his life for us on the cross, he showed us how to live, how to reign, how to live in victory through defeat.
May no one ever feel like they have to hide themselves from us. May all who approach us find the grace and kindness of Jesus looking back at them, ready to serve them in the love of Christ.
You: Where do you rule on a daily basis? What are you in charge of?
You in Christ: How does the rule of Christ’s righteousness in us allow us to then rule in righteousness over others?
Christ in you: How might you serve others today from your position of power?
Prayer: Father, keep our rulers from wickedness and help them seek righteousness. Help me also to lead others in your path of kindness and grace in Christ. Amen.
To Live is Christ 