The Rise and Fall of a Nation

I recently finished reading about the judges and the kings of Israel. One thing has become very clear to me as I look back. Everything in the nation depended on the leadership!

As soon as the elders who served under Joshua died, the Israelites sinned and turned from the Lord. But then, in His mercy, the Lord provided a judge and the people served Him. Yet, as soon as he died, the people reverted to sin.

Then came the kings. The people served the Lord under David's and much of Solomon's lives. But Solomon sinned and the kingdom was divided. The northern kingdom of Israel had one wicked king after another. The southern kingdom of Judah had a better record, but what was evident in both was that the condition of the nation reflected the condition of the king. If the king served the Lord, the people did too.

As youth of Malaysia, I believe this means two things for us. First, we must pray for our leaders. The rise and fall of our nation literally does rest with them. A corrupt government means a corrupt nation. Imagine what would happen if our politicians were unselfish and full of integrity!

Secondly, WE are the leaders of today and tomorrow! I know it's incredibly cliche to say it, but there will come a day when our parents and leaders will be gone. New generations will look to us. Our decisions will determine our nation's government, education, health care, media, and just about everything else.

We are leaders! The rise and fall of our nation rests with us! Let us remember this.