Something about the actions of man will always come before
the judgment of God. And the decision-making leadership actions of men/women
over the lives and destinies of others must also pass the judgment of God.
The war-mongering actions of the Syrians, and the
simultaneous battles with their Jordanian cousins, left Israel battling on at
least two fronts. Time and time again, God has protected and saved Israel from
military excursions within and without her borders. Yet, while lives were being
lost, and the saber-rattling continued, the “king,” safe in his own quarters,
becomes preoccupied with his own pleasures and desires.
Inevitably, amid crises – and even “at the time when kings
go forth to battle,” man, especially those in leadership capacities, will find,
even make, the time to satisfy his own desires and lusts. He was (is)
important. He had (has) power. What he wanted (wants) was his focus. After all,
“If I want her, she will surely want me. As a matter of fact, I don’t even have
to ask. Because of who I am, I can do whatever I want to do whenever I want.” There
was no phone call, no email, no text, no tweet. Just a directive to some
subordinates – “I want her. Bring her to me.”
The current national and international crises were no longer
the order of the day. The lives of those obeying his previous military
directives were not the focus for the moment. Only his personal desires.
Because of who he was, she (they) came. Because of who he was, she (they) did
what he said do. It was not long after that the human consequences of his deeds
were undeniably and non-transferably made known to him. And the social – even political – complications would also be
revealed. She was married. Her husband was one of his faithful soldiers. Something
had to be done to make this thing go away. Quick! Bring him home. Let him enjoy
the benefits of marriage. Surely, no one will seek DNA validation then.
But, that husband’s faithfulness to his military commitment
– and others with their personal commitment and to his marriage prevented him
from even his cherished personal desires. Something else must be done. If he
won’t go in, then we must take him out. Put him on the front line – in the heat
of the battle! Let the “enemy” – whoever he is – take him out! Who else will
know the difference?
Jesus reminds us in Luke 12:3 that “the things done in the
dark will soon come to light.” Sooner or later, the truth will be revealed. Unfortunately,
far too many people in power have not come to that light. Many deny the truth,
even when the light shines on them. Denial and accusations of “false news”
become their response. Many even seek to cover their misdeeds with semblances
of good deeds.
Yet, the truth is not controlled by, not subject to the will
of man. The truth, however, it may be distorted or denied, remains in the hands
of God. And sooner, or later, God will speak, and act.
And when he speaks, God’s word will be heard – especially by
those who are assigned and committed to represent and speak for him. And the truth
of God will be affirmed, especially to those who reject it.
So, God spoke to one who stood up for and on the word and
the truth of God. He told Nathan the Prophet what to say and how to say it to
the very one who sought to distort the truth. That official acknowledgment of
God’s displeasure of his deed and his consequential directive is recorded in
the heavenly record (2 Samuel 11:27-12:12).
God knows how to reach the mind and heart of every “lowly
shepherd,” and to all who have risen and/or are trying to rise to the heights
of “kingship.” Every man and woman, leader and follower, has their “ewe lamb.” Every
man and woman, every governmental leader, has that precious thing(s) of
personally intrinsic value that reveals the inner truth about themselves. And
when that moment comes, that person will have to deal with God about themselves.
And the consequences of their “kingship” mentalities and actions.
Sooner, or later, everybody will soon have to face their “ewe
lamb” moment. And when that (those) moment(s) come, the indisputable and
irreversible eternal judgment of God shall prevail. All shall face the moral truth
of God and must decide whether to confess their misdeeds (sins) and face the
Judgment of God and receive forgiveness and reconciliation, or to reject the
Judgment of God and receive retribution and damnation. You will reap all that
you shall have sown.
To every leader and follower – listen to the lambs, and to
God.
The Rev. Samuel W. Hale Jr. is the former pastor of Zion
Missionary Baptist Church and president of J.L. Powell Mission Ministries.