It is interesting to consider people’s last words. Some are poignant, some humorous, and some are irreverent. It is said that Joan Crawford told those around her “don’t you dare ask God to help me” as she was dying. Winston Churchill is said to have uttered “I’m bored with it all” before his demise. But perhaps Karl Marx gets the last word on last words. He stated that “last words are for fools who haven’t said enough”. If that’s the case, don’t look to me for my last words, as I’m sure I have said more than enough for several lifetimes!

Today’s passage records the last words of David. These words are not necessarily “death bed” words, but the last oracle he would share at the end of his life:

2 Samuel (New Revised Standard Version)

23 Now these are the last words of David:

The oracle of David, son of Jesse,
    the oracle of the man whom God exalted,
the anointed of the God of Jacob,
    the favorite of the Strong One of Israel:

² The spirit of the Lord speaks through me;
    his word is upon my tongue.

Having established his credentials as God’s spokesperson, he goes on to give guidance for rulers, according to God’s standard:
³ The God of Israel has spoken;
    the Rock of Israel has said to me:
“One who rules over people justly,
    ruling in the fear of God,
⁴ is like the light of morning,
    like the sun rising on a cloudless morning,
    gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.”

God has one standard: to rule justly. When our rulers rule in the fear (reverent awe, respect, faithful love) of God, the people will be well served. These rulers bring light and life to their constituents. David knew that even in his sinfulness, God would continue to allow his house to rule Israel because of the covenant that he made with David.

⁵ Is not my house like this with God?
    For he has made with me an everlasting covenant,
    ordered in all things and secure.
Will he not cause to prosper
    all my help and my desire?

Since Jesus was born of David’s lineage, the just ruler mandate continues through him and to all who consider themselves followers of Christ. But woe unto the godless rulers! They will be consumed by fire, much like the dead wood that God prunes from the branches that abide in Christ. (See John 15.)

⁶ But the godless are all like thorns that are thrown away,
    for they cannot be picked up with the hand;
⁷ to touch them one uses an iron bar
    or the shaft of a spear.
    And they are entirely consumed in fire on the spot.

These are great words for us today as we consider the rulers of this world from great nations down to the president of the local PTO. Those who rule justly will enjoy the warmth of God’s light. Those who don’t will be like thorns that are thrown away.

May it be so on earth as it is in heaven.

Consumed by the Fire by Michelle Robertson