1 Chronicles 18.14 14 So David reigned over all Israel,
and he administered justice and equity to all his people. (ESV)
Not everybody liked David – very few leaders ever garner
the respect and devotion of the entire crowd. There were those we will find
later on who pined for David’s demise and collapse of his rule. David
powerfully subdued his enemies but they certainly didn’t fall on their backs in
the face of opposition and again, later on we’ll find they too rose up against
the sovereignty of Israel.
David is almost a fairy-tale character: raised in
obscurity from the sheep pastures of his father, and then anointed future king
while the then current king was still in power – awkward! David had remarkable
skills and a perspective that helped him immensely: he loved and obeyed and sought the Lord his God. And as the writer
of Chronicles records, David reigned over
all Israel, and he administered justice and equity to all his people.
It is one thing to be a judicious ruler – it is another
to be an equitable King. It is the best of both worlds to be both. David was
both. Not only did David love, obey and seek his God, he also ruled in His
power and presence. David seemed to get
God and ruled as he thought God ruled: with justice and equity according to Divine
Standards, and with heart and mercy. Who knew there was such a God as this
hanging around? David did.
At my Thursday meeting this past week, we discussed the fruit
of the Holy Spirit (Cf. Galatians 5.22-23). The fruit of the Holy Spirit is the
result of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The fruit isn’t different
kinds of fruit but fruit that produces different kinds of things – like: love
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control. We’ll notice justice
isn’t on the list – nor is equity.
Nor is wisdom or righteousness. But a person who rules in submission to the
Holy Spirit will be known for these things because from his life comes these
kinds of fruits. David was that kind of leader. David ruled in submission to
God. He wielded power but his life produced fruit.
Paul said in 2 Corinthians 10: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory
of God. (V. 31) I think this sums up David’s attitude toward kingship: all for God’s glory.
These days as I grow older it’s more about fruit than it
is power. I want to do what I do to help people and maybe in some way enrich
their lives. That only comes by hanging around with God and walking in
submission to His Spirit’s presence in my life. The difference is His presence.
That’s what made David who he was…
Father, fill me with Your Spirit that I may live today, and
whatever I find myself doing, I do for Your glory. Your presence changes me and
may I simply walk humbly with You this day – forever changed that You have
chosen me to live where I do, with the people I do, and among people You care
for. It really isn’t about justice and equity – it’s about You. Fill me to
represent You well this day – Amen.
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