ODJ: as goes the king
November 13, 2010
The one who rules righteously, who rules in the fear of God, is like the light of morning at sunrise, like a morning without clouds, like the gleaming of the sun on new grass after rain (vv.3-4).
READ: 2 Samuel 23:1-7
King David’s last words remind us that our lives rise and fall on leadership. A righteous king brightens the lives of his people like a quiet sunrise, while one who “oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops” (Proverbs 28:3). Leaders who bring peace and prosperity are revered and celebrated, but the names of wicked rulers are treated with contempt.
David’s son Solomon was one of the good ones. His name means shalom, the Hebrew term for peace and prosperity, which is what his wise reign brought to Israel. The Queen of Sheba was overwhelmed by the splendor of his court and exclaimed, “How happy your people must be! . . . Because God loves Israel . . . He has made you king over them” (2 Chronicles 9:7-8).
It goes without saying that Hitler was a bad leader. As terrible as his reign was for the countries he invaded, it was even worse for his own people. During World War II, Karl Barth wrote: “We must certainly feel sorriest for the poor Germans.” Many of them knew that their side was wrong, but fear led them to follow their leader.
The importance of good leadership is why Paul commands us to “pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2). As goes the king, so goes the kingdom.
Besides praying for our leaders, we must understand that we are kings too. God made us in His image to govern creation on His behalf (Genesis 1:26-28). We all sit on various sub-thrones beneath the universal reign of God. Consider your realms of responsibility—in your home, church, work, and neighborhood. Do you lead others like a warm sunrise or a driving rain? —Mike Wittmer
Write down the names of five people who look to you for leadership. Are they happy to follow you? Why or why not? What can you do to bring them shalom?
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