Resigning Prime Ministers
The prime ministers of two major countries are resigning.
In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is stepping down in the wake of his Liberal Democratic Party’s electoral defeat in July. An internal party election will determine Ishiba’s successor.
In France, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou will resign after the parliament expressed its lack of confidence in him by a vote of 364-194. President Emmanuel Macron will appoint a new prime minister soon.
Analysis and eternal perspective: As in our last story, this is a story of consequence. The leaders of major world nations have a material impact on the state of our world. The character and decisions of these leaders alter the circumstances for both those living under their authority and those beyond. It is one major reason we are to pray for these leaders (1 Tim 2:1-3).
Even so, we understand the futility of trusting in any government of men. Psalm 146:3-5 says it plainly: “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.”
There is a real tension here. You are a citizen of heaven (Philip. 3:20-21). You are also an ambassador of Jesus Christ here on Earth (2 Cor. 5:20). The reality is that you can only properly steward the latter if your affections are firmly planted in the former.
This week, no matter your prime minister, president, or earthly king, allow your status as an eternal citizen of heaven to inform the way in which you “seek the peace and prosperity of [your] city” (Jer. 29:7).
The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.