The tendency to look for a saviour is hard to curb. People want a superhero. From football to Presidents they are looking for the special one who’s going to change everything. Which is why it’s helpful to be reminded that leaders are just people. I found it a relief when Mr Obama fluffed his lines at his inaugural address. It’s only when a man stops being a superhero that people start thinking: “Hang on. I want you to lead but you can’t save the world on your own and nor should you try”.
In the book of Samuel, when the people of Israel – fed up with a lack of leadership – asked for a king, God wearily agreed but warned them that it would end in tears. “A king,” God said, “will send your sons to fight wars, tax you heavily, and spend your hard-earned wealth on their own houses until you cry out for relief.” Despite the warning the people got their kings. Some were just; most were just awful. In the end, God was proved right.