Scripture Reference - 1 Samuel 10:1-15:34. 

Samuel, God's prophet, was a leader among leaders.  As God was anointing Saul for leadership in the nation of Israel, he places Samuel in his life for several reasons. As we dig deeper we can identify God's anointing on Samuel's life and identify what God establishes as His mandate for public leadership. We find 7 areas of responsibility for pastors and the church in the political system.

1. The pastor and church are responsible for seeking God's guidance in choosing a political leader (1 Samuel 10:1).

Samuel took the initiative and was secure in His God - ordained authority to crown Saul king over Israel.

2. The pastor and church are responsible for developing a servant's heart for the people (1 Samuel 10:6-9).

Samuel was secure in his leadership to focus on developing the leadership of Saul.

3. The pastor and church should encourage leaders in developing and using Spiritual gifts to serve the citizens (1 Samuel 10:10-13).

Samuel brought the Word of God to Saul.  He equipped Saul to receive his spiritual gifts through teaching and preparation. 

4. The pastor and the church are to be the voice of the political system and the direction of political leaders (1 Samuel 15:1-3).

Samuel provides direction for the king and affirms his work on the battlefield.  He gave Saul confidence and encouragement as he led the armies of Israel.  Samuel understood and accepted his role in Saul's life.

5. The pastor and the church should hurt and pray for the nation and its leaders (1 Samuel 15:10-11).

Samuel grieved when God rejected Saul.  The failure of Saul broke his heart.  The failure of our leaders should break our hearts. 

6. Pastors and the church should confront leaders and provide them Godly perspective (1 Samuel 15:12-13).

Samuel was called to remind Saul of his roots and of God's calling on his life.

7. Pastors and the church should call for repentance from its leaders and work towards restoration (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

Samuel ministered to Saul with grace and truth.  Ultimately it is truth that sets us free.  Never speak out of spite or superiority.  Speak with dignity.

II. Conclusion

As we gain a better understanding of our role as Christians in choosing our leaders, questions arise that must be addressed

First, What if Christians could make a difference and they didn't?
Second, What if God held the citizens accountable for the unjust policies of their government?
Third, What if God refused to bring revival to the land because His people failed to apply salt and light in the civil arena?

To answer these questions lets go to the word and study God's judgment on the land of Judah.

When God first established Israel, Judah was part of the larger nation. After the death of Solomon, Israel and Judah were separated into two independent nations. For two hundred years, Judah experience abundant blessings of God and then the deadly curse of national arrogance, greed, and lust. The climax of Judah's wickedness came when King Ahaz (2 Kings 16:1-12) exchanged the nations' religious and moral values for political gain. God had a special relationship with Judah and has every right to expect allegiance and obedience. When they overtly disobeyed, God condemned her behavior through the prophets.

We can draw several parallels in this example but the main one is that when the citizens have a voice in the selection and direction of their leaders, God holds both the leaders and the citizens accountable for the civil sins of the government. We are a government "of the people, for the people, by the people" and we as citizens are ultimately responsible for our leaders. When we fail in this responsibility we not only fail our government, we fail God. When Christians are apathetic at the polls, they need not expect God's deliverance from the national consequences that follow.

What if God refused to bring revival to the land because His people failed to apply salt and light in the civil arena?

Consider this thought. Remember the responsibility of civil government is ours as well as subsequent actions. What if our failure as God's people to recognize and address blatant violations of God's civil standards has somehow hindered our prayer and worship? Look back at Judah and see how the actions of the people hindered their worship.

Read Isaiah 1:11-15. In short God completely rejects Judah's religious life. Isaiah basically told them that their worship was a waste of time. Could you imagine after a worship service God revealing Himself in all His glory and saying... your worship was a waste of time. It is hard for us to believe that; however God's Word is clear. Let's look at Psalm 66:17-18.

So where do we go from here? Is America doomed to the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah? God is a God of grace and a God of restoration. He is calling for the restoration of the great nation He established over 200 years ago.

How do we do that?

1. Repent before God
2. Pray for our Nation, Leaders, and Elections
3. Get active in the process and ALS Ministries.

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