Act justly

Ruling Justly

Posted on by Betsy

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

Would that….

Posted on by Betsy

Do you ever get weary of people who simply refuse to bend to your point of view? Are you flat worn out with those who show blatant disregard for your political perspective? How about the ones who are on the opposite side of your stand on everything that is happening in America right now? Tired of it?

Oh, would that everybody might think just like me!

You are in good company. Consider Moses. His task was to lead his people out of slavery to a free and promised land. He was handed a set of behavioral guidelines that were intended to be nothing less than a blessing of protection to the community. Had the people simply bent to his perspective, taken the stand that he took, and shown respect and regard for the ways he was leading them, they all would have gotten along and even prospered.

But no.

People are people are people, and there will always be division, polarization of thought, obstinance, and downright pig-headedness. The freedom they received the moment they emerged from Pharaoh’s tyranny went straight to their heads, and straight through their hearts. The end result was disobedience.

Numbers 11:24-30 (The Message)

24-25 So Moses went out and told the people what God had said. He called together seventy of the leaders and had them stand around the Tent. God came down in a cloud and spoke to Moses and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy leaders. When the Spirit rested on them they prophesied. But they didn’t continue; it was a onetime event.

26 Meanwhile two men, Eldad and Medad, had stayed in the camp. They were listed as leaders but they didn’t leave camp to go to the Tent. Still, the Spirit also rested on them and they prophesied in the camp.

God sent his Spirit from Moses to the others in order for their leadership to be spirit-filled and shared. Shared leadership that is unified should be the goal of every organization, administration, church, ecclesiastical body, and institution. When leadership and vision are shared, the entire structure is strengthened. One message emerges, unifying the community in purpose and mission.

27 A young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp!”

28 Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ right-hand man since his youth, said, “Moses, master! Stop them!”

The two who were given the gift of prophesy from God had not been with the original seventy. This instantly became an us-verses-them situation for some. But Moses saw it differently. Moses was keenly aware that the Spirit came from God, and its power was not predicated on who the recipients were or where they were located.

29 But Moses said, “Are you jealous for me? Would that all God’s people were prophets. Would that God would put his Spirit on all of them.”

Would that all God’s people were prophets.

Would that all people might have the Spirit and thereby be unified.

Would that all leaders would lead.

Would that all Christians would speak against injustice and inequality with one voice.

Would that…

But people are people are people.

And so we pray and actively seek God and his Spirit to come upon us as we gather and wait. When people who are called by God’s name humble themselves and pray, God will heal our land.

May we act justly, love mercy, walk humbly, and be healed.

We need another Pentecost.

Mountain Serenity by Scott Brown