At this time in the world history we have an escalation of division of nations, shifting of political allies and a complex situation internationally. It is difficult to know what the clear lines of alignment are today on the globe. I have been thinking a lot about alignment politically which has prompted me to think about it spiritually.
In the biblical history nations made alignments to become stronger and defend themselves just as many do today. However, there is a marked difference in the Bible when it speaks of the alignments of God’s people. God never wanted his leaders to depend on the might, human abilities or alliances to protect them or promote them. When reading in Isaiah we can find God’s attitude toward those who boast about their strength as well as those who depend on the human might of others to cover them.
Isaiah 21:9 And look, here comes a chariot of men with a pair of horsemen!” Then he answered and said, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen! And all the carved images of her gods He has broken to the ground.”
Babylon represents a nation, a people or a mentality of people that is opposed to trust and dependence on God. Babylon truly became an enemy of God’s people and God himself. Yet Judah aligned itself with Babylon and became dependent upon them. In doing this Judah also accepted their false gods and engaged in worship of idols. God’s jealousy and anger was stirred up. First God confronts his leaders, then his people and then he destroyed the kingdom of Babylon. King Sennacherib (of Assyria) was the instrument of God to bring down Babylon. The first thing the king did was destroy the images of false gods.
Now how does this speak to spiritual leaders? Firstly, be careful whom you align with. Not all capable leaders are good leaders. Secondly, make alignments according to the direction of the Holy Spirit. Thirdly never align with humans as a substitute to dependence and worship of our Lord. Fourth, we do not align spiritually with others to gain power or protection, but to work together to expand the kingdom of God and bring him more glory.
When God’s leaders align together we should also align with Christ and his purpose. Let your heart be encouraged by others who are in Christ. Beware of alignments that may pull your heart away from God toward idols and the worship of other gods.
God give us wisdom in our alignments.