The former president’s corruption case has been the target of intense media attention in our society for the past several months. Dubbed “Son of Taiwan”, former president Chen has always been an influential as well as a controversial figure in Taiwan’s political area since he came to power as the city mayor and president . Now many charges including embezzlement and money laundering are being brought against him. His opponents welcome the scandal gladly and agree that it serves him right to be put in jail and even receive a life sentence, while his supporters believe that his case has been politicized.  The longer the trial of the century lasts, the deeper it tears our society apart.

What is a proper Christian view of this scandal? As we read in 1 Samuel 15: 10-11, King Saul didn’t obey God’s commands and God regretted making him king of Israel. “I was sorry that I ever made Saul king, for he has not been loyal to me and has again refused to obey me.” God was greatly sorry but not angry for choosing Saul as leader of his people. Samuel, who used to anoint Saul, was so deeply moved when he heard that he cried out to the Lord all night.

Would we be crying out to God all night long  for our leaders in school, at work, or in the government as they sin against God? Are we willing to intercede for them like Samuel?