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

Today’s Scripture Reading (December 27, 2012): 1 Samuel 26

I am concerned about the way we treat our politicians. Somehow we seem to believe that we have the right to tear them apart. Sometimes I think that we really believe that we have all the answers – and that a politician never has the right to make a mistake. But we do not live in that reality. None of us are perfect – and yet, even in the midst of our imperfection that God has a plan for us. And what happens if we accept the biblical assertion that God is in control of our world – even our political world. How would that change the way that we treat our own political leaders.

David was sure that Saul was the anointed of God. That means that David believed that Saul was on the throne – and remained on the throne – only because God had a purpose for him on that throne. So as long as he was the king of Israel, David would not lift a hand against him – in spite of the fact that Saul was doing anything that he could do to try to kill David. David would run and try to defend himself, but he would not attack Saul, the anointed of God, because that would mean declaring war on God himself.

If God really is in control, is it possible that he also has a reason for the people that have been placed in power over top of us. I know the danger of this position is to develop a sense of apathy toward the election of our political officials. But the real truth might be that God can work his will through whatever leaders that we might elect. I believe it is very important for us to do our own due diligence and be active in the election process of our public officials, but our responsibility does not end there. After they are elected – or their opponent is – we are called to continue to hold them up by praying for them and supporting them as best we can.

The only political leader that is perfect is one that refuses to do anything. And that is never the kind of leaders that we need. We need leaders that are willing to make the hard decisions no matter what the consequences are. It is the lesson that David teaches us as he deals with Saul. As a New Year approaches, maybe it is time that the church stepped up and supported those in office – no matter whether or not they are the one that we would have voted for.   

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 27