A Song of Praise in A Final Breath
Read 2 Samuel 23:1-7
Reflecting in his final days, the old and dimmed king reflects on his legacy, or rather, the keeper and maker of it. Though a flawed man, and knowingly so, there are timeless truths David is able to pull from the intense highs and troubling lows he has experienced in being king. The Spirit of God speaks to David clearly in this reflection to paint the bigger picture of what it means to be a godly leader, to trust in and delight in the Lord our God.
The one who exalted David to the position, and kept him through all the struggles, was God. David was born of Jesse, a farmer with nothing notable to his name. Likely a reminder of his humble beginnings as a shepherd, spending his time in the wilderness, roaming about with a flock of sheep. Fast forward to verse 5, David considers the turmoil and unrest his own household is presently causing him, and the family feuds he encountered were no less products of his shortcomings. He had sinned greatly, abused his power at times, and put his trust in things other than the Lord. Despite his great reputation in Israel, it is clear that David's magnificence on the battlefield, his political prowess, and his moral integrity could not have gotten him to where he is and keep him there. His sin was great, and it was clear something more was at work in him. The content of David’s worshipful reflection is not so much fixed on his ability but rather God’s ability to lift up and uphold him.
God has a plan for godly leadership, a picture of authority that brings flourishing and life. Yes, this picture of the morning sun is beautiful, but it also brings warmth to the land that humans need and long for. The rain nourishes the ground, making the grass green and the plants grow to show their colors. These are symbols of flourishing, and attributes we see perfectly modeled in Jesus (Isaiah 9:6-7). Those who oppose such authority are left in ruin, they are met with iron tools and treated as thorns that must be removed by force and proper discipline (v.6-7).
For leaders, there are both internal and external realities combatting us along the way. If a village leader were to commit similar sins as David from their position it would be right to promptly remove them. Simultaneously, in the Gospels, we heed warnings from Jesus Himself of the opposition we will face in the world, that we ought to be watchful for the wolves who seek to destroy us from the inside out. That people will reject us and oppose us in our effort to obey Him. So what is holding us together? Why should we not go insane and all be kicked out of our positions?
The psalm of worship here in 2 Samuel subtly rests on the center, that God’s faithfulness to uphold His covenant with us is what we rely on. Remembering our own shortcomings and sins in leadership reminds us our ability hasn’t brought us this far. If we truly believe God is the one raising us up, giving us new life, and calling us into ministry, who’s to say He isn’t the one upholding us along the way? Leaders have depended on God greatly to escape sin, trusted Him in profound moments of repentance, and brought them into responsibility to bring this Gospel, this covenant we have with Jesus to many more in their context. Yet, for some reason, the position can trick us into believing we got there by our own abilities and strength. I submit to you, especially if you are a leader in our church, do not cease to rely on God. David learns this lesson the hard way in the following chapter, but at this moment, knowing he is not enough, he recognizes and finds peace in the fact that God is enough and always has been. Why? Because He is faithful when we are not, to His covenant that can not be broken.
Consider where you feel like you are falling short in life or ministry, what is ailing your conscience? Confess this to God, and repent of that sin in confidence that His grace and forgiveness is enough. At this, we fall back on the covenant we have in Jesus Christ. And lastly, choose a worship song to listen to that reminds you of this forgiveness, of the power our God has to use even people like us.
