Mr. President

Politics are one of my least favorite things. There are so many different points of view and agendas. I do believe it is good to be informed, but I also believe that our freedom of speech is often taken to the extreme. As I was reading 1 Samuel 24 this week it was very clear on how we should handle our freedom of speech.

David was being hunted by King Saul and was hiding in a cave with his small army of men when the king entered the cave to relieve himself. David’s men saw it as an opportunity from God to end Saul’s life; but it was really a test from God to see if David would trust and obey.

“He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.”

“Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.” (1 Samuel 24:3-7)

David’s men were operating on their current situation and feelings. They wanted justice and they could only view their circumstances through eyes of vengeance and serving their own purpose and agenda.

When an opportunity presented itself for David to act out he moved in and cut a piece off of the King’s robe. It would definitely send a message of how close the King came to dying that day. But rather than justify his actions, David was conscience stricken. David regretted his actions because it would be a source of embarrassment to King Saul. Cutting the robe was more than an act against the King, it was rebellion against the Lord, who had commanded the Israelites not to curse their rulers. “Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.” (Exodus 22:28)

David knew that someday he would be king. He also knew that to lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed was sinning against God. “But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless? (1 Samuel 26:9)

I’m sure that David did not agree with the way the King Saul was running the country or the methods that he used to govern God’s people. Not to mention that he was constantly on the run for his own life. But David knew God’s word and trusted that God was in complete control. David’s respect for human authority was based on his respect for divine authority. He treated the King properly not because of anything the King had done or might do, but because of what the Lord had done. (J Vernon McGee)

It would be easy in our minds to justify David’s actions just like when we see jokes and memes on social media, mocking the President and other world leaders. As believers we say that we trust God and that we love Him, which means we obey his commands. It is not a surprise to God who the leaders of the nations are. They are all in their positions for a purpose and in God’s perfect timing, they will serve that purpose.

Saul was the people’s choice. They wanted a king so they could be like the surrounding nations. God was their king and they rejected Him so He gave them what they wanted. There were moments in Saul’s leadership that wonderful things happened and he was a good leader. But in time his true nature was revealed and he no longer sought God but rather took matters into his own hands.

When we take matters into our own hands we are no longer walking by faith. We are not trusting God. In Romans 12:19 we read, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” Our place is to trust God and obey Him.

His word says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:1-4)

David respected the office of King, although he may not have respected the man. As believer’s we can trust that God is in control and has our nation’s best interest in mind. If the actions of our leaders cause us to cry out to God and repent, isn’t that for our good? Repentance brings us closer to God.

Like David, has your conscience ever been stricken when you’ve take matters into your own hands? Have you ever jumped ahead of God’s timing thinking you know how to handle a situation? Have you ever misread a situation for your own purposes and justification? I sure have and I’m so grateful that my conscience was stricken and God showed me a way to get back on the right path. Thank you Lord!

After studying this chapter I’ve decided that I need to pray more sincerely for our President and leaders. When I see the jokes and memes I can pray for the people posting them because it is like the soldiers in the cave who encouraged David to take Saul’s life. They are encouraging ridicule on a man whom God has placed in authority.

When Saul was eventually killed in battle with the Philistines David wept and poured his heart in a lament written in 2 Samuel 1:17-27. He ordered that the people of Judah be taught the words. You can see why he was called “A Man After God’s Own Heart.”

We can be people after God’s own heart too by honoring and obeying God’s word and by showing respect for those He has placed in authority. God will take care of the details and in His perfect timing.

My Prayer

Father, thank you for the reminder that You are in control. I want to be a woman after Your own heart and so I pray for the President of the United States and for those in authority in our state and cities. I pray that they will know You and seek Your wisdom to govern Your people. I pray for the people that they govern that they will look for opportunities to help rather than scorn and that we all will trust in Your timing. Father, please forgive our nation. We have pushed You out just like the Israelites did and we are feeling the consequences. Help us turn back to You and change our ways. In Jesus name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Romans 12:19

“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” Our place is to trust God and obey Him.”

Romans 13:1-4

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”