The Power
Let me be straightforward and speak my mind. He is a narcissist who mistrusts all non citizens. He issues edicts and enforces policies that endanger the lives of outsiders while rewarding those he deems loyal—loyal not to a cause, but to HIM and HIM alone.
He occupies the highest office in the world, revered by many, and he considers himself a god. This god complex is reinforced by the passive compliance of his administrators, who fear him and prioritize protecting their positions. Opposition guarantees confrontation with his iron fist of wrath. His word is final.
He cracks down on dissent. If you dare to question his decisions or behavior, prepare yourself for a calculated retaliation designed to crush your perspective. He will disrupt your peace.
Declare “Thus saith the Lord” to him, and you will face the consequences. He refuses to accept responsibility for his words and actions. He wields unchecked power, accountable to no one.
The Perception
At this point, you might think I am bold enough to write about modern-day political figures or tyrants, but you’d be mistaken. Gotcha! I am referring to one of the oldest stories in the Bible—the story of Pharaoh, Moses, and the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 10:1–13:16).
Pharaoh’s resistance to God’s commands exemplifies his refusal to submit to a higher authority. Pharaoh confused the ability to impose his will on others (power) with the responsibility of setting standards and expectations for leadership (authority).
In contrast, Moses and Aaron, endowed with true authority, stood before Pharaoh to “Speak Truth to Power” (Exodus 5:1, 7:16, 8:1, 8:20, 9:1, 10:3).
“Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel: Let My people go.”
The Problem
Deciding to “care-front” (confronting with care and concern) a misguided or oppressive leader comes with risks. Trouble often follows when someone wields professional, political, or religious power without accountability.
This doesn’t mean avoiding the challenge - it means preparing for it. Moses and Aaron didn’t back down from Pharaoh. Moses and Aaron approached pharaoh from a position of authority and they spoke to the Pharaoh that which God had instructed them.
Moses and Aaron were anointed or appointed by the King of kings and Lord of lords, to speak truth to power. They faced the power at risk of life. They did not coward away. They stood firm and spoke the word of the Lord.
They were not perfect men; Moses doubted his ability to confront Pharaoh. Yet the Lord provided Aaron, his brother, to stand alongside him.
Unfortunately, we encounter spiritual leaders today who misuse power without the authority to back it. They rule through intimidation, knowing their followers fear ostracism. Some even misuse Scripture to justify their actions, often citing verses like 1 Chronicles 16:22 or Psalm 105:15 (JPS 1917):
“Touch not Mine anointed ones and do My prophets no harm.”
Some religious figures misuse these verses to avoid correction, criticism, or accountability. Questioning them is labeled as having a “spirit of negativity” or a “spirit of division.” However, the true context of these verses reveals a different meaning.
In 1 Chronicles 16, “anointed ones” does not refer to pastors, priests, or rabbis. In this setting. the anointed refers to God’s people as a whole - the Israelites. Reading the broader context of 1 Chronicles 16:19–22 (JPS), we understand who the anointed ones truly were:
"When ye were but a few men in number, yea, very few, and sojourners in it; and when they went about from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people, He suffered no man to do them wrong. Yea, for their sake He reproved kings: Touch not Mine anointed ones and do My prophets no harm.”
What does it mean to "do no harm" (Rah-ah’)? Harm in this verse refers to being evil or wicked, to behave in a morally harmful way. Rah-ah’ can mean to spoil or break something. In this passage “prophets” refers to an individual chosen or called by God to deliver, speak, or prophesy to the people.
It does not refer to asking pointed questions or “care fronting” bad behavior in a leader (Nathan confronted King David regarding Bathsheba).
The Hebrew word for anointed is Mashiach, appearing 39 times in the Hebrew Bible. It refers to someone consecrated or set apart for a specific purpose. In Isaiah 45:1, for example, Mashiach describes the Persian King Cyrus, whom God empowered to deliver Israel and enable the return of exiles.
Over time, Mashiach became associated with the ultimate Deliverer who would establish God’s kingdom—the Messiah.
Conclusion
Present-day pastors, priests, and rabbis may indeed be called, appointed, and anointed by God to serve in their roles. This calling is sacred and service honorable, often demanding great sacrifice and receiving little thanks.
Yet, no "calling" - no matter how divine - gives license to act as if they are above reproach. They must never fall into the trap of behaving like little messiahs.
Being anointed is not a safeguard against accountability. True leadership welcomes questions and values constructive feedback, recognizing that such engagement reflects a commitment to the mission of the church or synagogue.
Leaders who silence genuine concerns reveal an unhealthy desire for control, undermining their credibility and the trust of those they serve.
When power is used to evade accountability, the result is confusion, division, and distrust. These seeds of discord scatter the flock and weaken the body of faith. Respect for authority is essential, but accountability is the counterbalance that ensures leadership remains honorable.
Only through transparency can trust be cultivated, laying the groundwork for unity, growth, and faithfulness to God’s mission. To honor this sacred calling, we must embrace both respect and accountability. Anything less dishonors the mantle of leadership. In times of trial, we are called to
Speak Truth to Power
Help Someone
If you find this blog helpful here is how you can thank me. Consider helping someone in your community. Donate your time, talent, or treasure to a local homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or food bank. Is there a widow in your community that could use some assistance? Ask God to help you see a need.
If you know a pastor, priest, or rabbi, consider taking them out for a meal. Send them a thank you card. Encourage them. Their work may be sacred but encouragement goes a long way.
Note: Picture of Moses used by permission - Almay.
Comments