As beautiful as the sunrise……

So we’re nearing the end of the book of 2 Samuel and we’re nearing the end of the life of David.

And what a life it’s been! A man blessed and empowered by God with some very human flaws. A man who expressed his sorrows and fears and joys and gratitude in the words of his songs. A man who knew without a shadow of the doubt that despite all the ups and downs, God had always walked with him.

In a section marked ‘David’s last words’ in 2 Samuel 23, we have this lovely image –

The God of Israel spoke,
the Rock of Israel said to me:
‘When one rules over people in righteousness,
when he rules in the fear of God,
he is like the light of morning at sunrise
on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
that brings grass from the earth.’  2 Samuel 23:3-4

This is all about the responsibility that comes with being in charge – having some sort of leadership role in a social group or workplace or church or family or committee…….when people are looking up to us, we have an important role to play. We need to act with righteousness and in the fear of God.

Righteousness should never become confused with self-righteousness. I find the definition ‘leading a life pleasing to God’ helpful. This does not entitle me to stand in judgement or set myself up as morally superior. It’s about making sure that I am right with God in all that I do and allowing you to find your own right path with God.

And to me, the fear of God is more about awe and proper respect than being afraid. It’s about always remembering who God is and what He has done.

And when we manage to do the right thing and be a good role model, then it is as beautiful as  the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning……which is totally awesome, isn’t it?

When we lead with integrity and love, then it’s as amazing as the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth. It’s life-giving, inspirational, powerful.

Of course, like David, we will get it wrong sometimes. I’ve done and said things in the last 24 hours that I’m not proud of. I desperately want to be a good role model, but sometimes I even surprise myself with my own foolishness or judging statements or selfishness. The good news is that every day brings a bundle of new opportunities to get it right…..