Listen here: “King of What?“
2 Samuel 23:1-7; John 18:33-37
- David was an unlikely king. The story of how he became king is filled with unexpected twists and turns.
- Israel first wanted a king in order to be like the other pagan nations.
- Israel had been in the Promised Land for more than four hundred years without a king. But they had not conquered the other nations because they had not obeyed God.
- Their disobedience manifested at many levels, but militarily they failed to totally eradicate the previous inhabitants as God had directed.
- We still flinch at the horror of such a command. Nonetheless, that is what God said.
- And Israel’s failure has led to the history of conflict in the world ever since.
- Kings must listen to the Word of God and rule with justice, God’s justice; and when they do, things will go well for the nation.
- Justice is another word for righteousness. Without righteousness at the top levels of government and throughout the society, justice is not possible.
- (This is just a teaser. If you want to know more, listen to the sermon.)
- Sunday morning messages are available on the website (www.stpaulsmarietta.org/audio). Tell your friends.