When the Wicked Rule the People Groan

"When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan." Proverbs 29:2 BSB

In a story titled, "Sluggish 'sprinter' goes viral, sparking nepotism scandal and an apology" aired on Tuesday, the reporter asked the question, "How slowly does a runner have to finish a race to cause a scandal?" The response? A competition in China has given us the answer, with a Somali athletics official suspended and the sports minister forced to apologize after video that went viral across social media.The video showed the woman far outclassed, and not even in the frame with the other runners almost immediately after the 100m race began. The woman finished about 10 seconds behind the winner, finishing in about 21 seconds. The viral moment at the World University Games in China on Tuesday sparked outrage online and accusations of nepotism. "It’s disheartening to witness such an incompetent government. How could they select an untrained girl to represent Somalia in running? It’s truly shocking and reflects poorly on our country internationally," said Elham Garaad, in one of the posts that was shared widely. The incident has resulted in the suspension of Khadijo Aden Dahir, the chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation, after an untrained and non-athlete runner was sent to take part, the country’s Ministry of Youth and Sports said Wednesday. She will also be subject to legal proceedings, it said. Dahir is accused of “abuse of power, nepotism, and defaming the name of the nation” in the international arena, the ministry said in a statement posted on social media.

And you know, when it comes to those in those in authority abusing their power, wise King Solomon said that "when the wicked rule, the people groan." You see, when evil, self-seeking, unloving, ungodly, and corrupt people are in power of any organization, country, or nation, the people under their authority suffer to the point of despair because lawlessness increases, nepotism occurs, and freedoms diminish. Good is called evil and evil is called good. Sadly, this is something that's being seen in many countries and nations around the world today, including our own. The only solution is to pray and vote for the righteous to flourish so that the people can rejoice. 

So be careful who you vote for or who you support to be in a leadership role of any kind my friend. Whether the decision is decided in a small election or a large one, when the wicked rule, the people have many reasons to moan and sob. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that when those in power are corrupt, the whole nation suffers because of it. Lord, help us to hold our leaders accountable from the lowest office to the highest and to be unwilling to accept any values or beliefs they hold that are contrary to Your word, knowing that at the root of all corruption is bad moral character and a heart that is defiant to Your precepts. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!