princes – CadreMen Press

Justice Not Greed

Justice Not Greed by Kirk Hunt

‘Thus says the Lord God: “Enough, O princes of Israel! Remove violence and plundering, execute justice and righteousness, and stop dispossessing My people,” says the Lord God.

Ezekiel 45:9 NKJV

It is easy to question the justice of ancient Israel’s leaders. Their error and injustice is recorded in Scripture. What about leaders, including you, in the modern era? Do you seek justice in the here and now?

“Enough.” The princes had a lot, but insisted on cheating to get more. The poor and disadvantaged were victims and targets. The rich and privileged, insisted on lying and cheating to get more. Maybe you have seen or heard of similar circumstances in recent history?

Injustice is almost always preceded by lust. Greed is simply the money-focused version of lust. Be content with what you have, or at least be content to pursue more without cheating.

God does not forbid His people from having and acquiring. In fact, Jesus said that He came to give us abundant life. Still, wealth and advancement does not have to come at the unfair expense of those around you.

Pursue God. He will add everything else to you. His blessings never flow from swindling or oppressing someone else. Do your part in righteousness and He will bless you more than you think or imagine.

You can win, acquire and live in the big house on the hill. Just be sure you can face God with a clean record and unstained hands. It may take a little longer, but His approval is worth the longer route.

Think: Do I pursue justice through my own life and leadership?

Pray: “Lord, help me to be an example of Your truth and justice.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Rebellious Princes

Rebellious Princes by Kirk Hunt

How the faithful city has become a harlot!
It was full of justice;
Righteousness lodged in it,
But now murderers

Your princes are rebellious,
And companions of thieves;
Everyone loves bribes,
And follows after rewards.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the cause of the widow come before them.

Isaiah 1:21; 1:23 NKJV

We would recognize the leaders of Isaiah’s era. Greedy thieves, concerned only about themselves and not the people they are supposed to lead. They were in open rebellion against God, regardless of the words that they spoke.

Too many of the leaders in this modern era, the princes of our time, are in open rebellion against God. They clearly reject God and Scripture, regardless of the words that come out of their mouths. You can see it in their actions that generate confusion, disruption and anxiety for everyone (but themselves).

The divine right of kings is the idea that a monarch is accountable only to God Himself. History, and current events, are full of examples of men and women who proved the folly of such unaccountability. Leaders are mere humans, and their acts should be held accountable to Scripture and law. “Following the money” is a simple test of good, or bad, leadership.

Hold your leadership, and yourself, accountable. Grade your acts, and that of others, with Scripture. Your actions, and theirs, should lead to certainty, stability and calm.

Think: True and good leadership should be held accountable to God and Scripture.

Pray: “Lord, help me to lead in Your will and according to Your Word.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Bad Princes

“Bad Princes” By Kirk Hunt

Neither our kings nor our princes,
Our priests nor our fathers,
Have kept Your law,
Nor heeded Your commandments and Your testimonies,

Nehemiah 9:34 NKJV

Nehemiah spent a lot of his time and energy getting national leadership to do the right thing. The Hebrew word for “princes” (see Strong’s 8269) refers to a “chief (captain), general, governor.” Nehemiah first called to repentance the very people who should have been the best behaved. God’s Law was not inadequate or incomplete. They chose to ignore or violate the Law to line their pockets and fill their purses.

Nehemiah faced widespread corruption among those who knew better. The leaders were supposed to respond according to the Law. The leaders became rich while the “regular folk” became poor, or in some cases, literal slaves. The problem was not pagan outsiders. The problem was greedy or immoral insiders. Nor could they claim they “did not know.”

Modern “princes” include more than members of Congress or State legislatures. Relatively senior members of the Judicial, Legislative or Executive Branches of government, State or National, are “princes.” The higher-ranking leaders of Corporations and other Commercial Interests are also “princes” by this definition. If you have a higher rank, and/or a higher paycheck, you are included in this group.

It is easy to blame foreign strangers. It is harder work to hold insiders of rank and privilege accountable. The problem is rarely a marauding outsider. Much more likely, the problem is an insider who is supposed to be the solution.

If you want compliance with God’s Law, as expressed in Scripture, then you have to get involved. Do not let a “prince” claim they “did not know.” Even “princes” can be held accountable, if you have the courage to call them on their unrighteousness.

Think: It is easy to blame others. Usually, the problem starts among ourselves.

Pray: “Lord, help me, and my leadership, to obey Your Scripture.”

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.