2 Samuel 23:2
The Spirit of The LORD spoke through me;
His Word was on my tongue.
What a sweet exercise in faithfulness to our God. Some of the last words of King David of Israel are here written for our benefit. Here he remembers where he came from, his journey to kingship, and his life's work: songs of praise to His God.
In verses 3 and 4 David describes the office of an anointed kingship:
3. The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God.
4. He is like dawn's first light, like bright sun blazing on a cloudless morning, glistening on grassland that flourishes after a rain shower.'
These are the words of wisdom spoken by King David to his son Solomon as the crown is set upon Solomon's head. The sad words of warning came next.
5. Although my house be not so with God; yet He has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although He make it not to grow.
King David knew that though not all in his household were living in righteousness, that he had an everlasting covenant with God. And though it was his desire to see his household have this same covenant relationship with God, he knew that just wasn't going to be possible, for some of his sons had already rebelled against his crown and authority. (2 Samuel 18;1 Kings 1:5)
Would that our nation would have an anointed ruler over it, whose authority and rulership were a blessing and a glory to the land. We must pray for the leadership of our country, that it would have the courage to hear and obey The Word of God, trusting in God and following His direction, even if it appears foolish to everyone else.
We pray for the salvation of our leadership, and the indwelling power of God's Holy Spirit to direct them in the way they should go.
We pray for evidence of these two things in their lives, both personal and public. We pray that our leadership serve with honor and integrity, leading our country with grace and dignity.
And we pray for their families, that they, too, would believe that Jesus Christ is Lord; that there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved; that they choose to live a life of faith in God, serving and loving him with all their hearts.
And we pray for ourselves, to serve God in Truth and Mercy, living lives that honor Him and His Word in His Spirit. May we, too, be filled with gratitude for all that our God has done, and is doing, in us and in the people around and over us.
Amen.
