OMF Blog
13. Chairman Kim Jong-Il
NK Blog - Wednesday 09 December 2009Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:10-11
The most powerful man in North Korea is Kim Jong-Il, its ruler. Born in 1942, while Korea was still a colony of Japan, Kim Jong-Il inherited the leadership of the North from his father Kim Il-Sung, who died in 1994. Kim’s mother died when he was seven. Kim Jong-Il benefits greatly from the legacy he gained from his father, who was and still is highly respected in the North. (23)
The main challenge facing Kim Jong-Il these days is enabling himself and his country to live and persevere. (24) These goals should come together for any wise national leader. Kim Jong-Il is the commander of the nation and rules with the help of a council. He seeks their advice in many areas. Some who have come out of North Korea say that he maintains a formal relationship with the heads of government ministries but often likes to interact with the deputies of the different departments. (25) Kim Jong-Il is head of an army that is very faithful to him; and he insures in various ways that the generals in the army are committed to him. (26)
Kim Jong-Il, of course, wants his country and its economy to grow and its army to be strong. For this to happen, North Korea must interact with other nations and businesses around the world. But it is difficult for Kim Jong-Il to maintain growing business relationships with other nations who want him to treat his people with respect. (27) He has a big challenge before him.
- Praise God for his sovereignty over all the leaders and rulers in the world.
- Pray that Kim Jong-Il will be a wise ruler and seek the good of all his citizens.
- Pray that Kim Jong-Il will come to know personally the Creator God.