Deut 17: 20.
_”…then he and his sons will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.”_
Covid19 should remind us that nothing is permanent. Indeed, it has shown the world that everything we pride ourselves in, can amount to nothing in the twinkle of an eye. For as a result of this pandemic, people have lost their lives, jobs and investments.
Yet, we find that there are some people who never seem to go down even in difficult times. A good example is the Biblical character Daniel, who ruled as a governor in Babylon under five successive kings.
In Deuteronomy 17: 16 – 20, the Bible gives us some timeless tips on how to a reign for a very long time.
- Avoid over accumulation of material things. (vrs 16)
Greed and covetousness have destroyed many great people (1Tim 6:10); and the over accumulation of material things is an Egyptian lifestyle – a sign of worldliness. - Do not give your heart to women. (Vrs 17).
King Solomon, with all his wisdom got his heart led astray by women. Indeed, we are safer taking the counsel of king Lemuel’s mother: ”do not give your heart to women…to those who destroy kings. (Prov 31:3)”. If you are a woman reading now, remember that some men are equally dangerous. - Be a lover of books. (Vrs 18 &19).
Rulers are readers; and really, books will not let you down. The reading of the word of God especially, is the surest path to good success. (Josh 1: 8).
Dear friend, it is great wisdom to heed to this advice. Never think that you can outsmart those who have gone ahead of you by ignoring this counsel.(Deut 17 :20). By the grace of God, I see you reigning for a very long time. No matter what happens in this world, you will not go down! You are a reigning champion!
Further reading: Daniel 6: 1-28.