Under and Over

2 Samuel 23:3, 4

The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘When one rules over men 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 the grass from the earth’.

Historical fictions in film or as mini series captures me. My little girl was even named after the actor that played Julius Caesar in the two-season television series Rome :> I guess it’s the student in me that dreamt for books to come alive instead of having to read several chapters for a class that doze you off to sleep. But books have the facts, novels just the drama. The 2007 Tudors was one series where Tris and I would google up info almost after every episode. Henry VIII’s break with the Catholic  church over its refusal to grant divorce from Catherine of Aragon was pivotal and controversial I would want to get my facts straight. Yes, this was the king who declared himself as the king Supreme Governor of the Church of England. He’s the absolute power. Lord over all, answerable to none.

Israel’s greatest king lived and believed otherwise. Being the anointed ruler over the people gives the premise that he is under the One who declared the appointment. Responsibility and accountability clothes his reign. That is why even as king, he takes joy (and time) being Israel’s ‘singer of songs’. He may have a truckload of administrative issues to attend to, a full week with six OTs maybe, but he never forgets the Lord’s day. Inside the temple, he is God's subject, like everyone else. David acknowledges his every word and decree and judgment as from God, and relays it to the people through the Spirit. He is not guided by whims or preferences, but in complete reverence to God, he rules in righteousness. Under God, Over the people. Choosing these as his last words meant it was of utmost importance. His will is for his successors to uphold theocracy. His picture of a great kingdom is not that of gems or fine garments or cedar walls, for such would only elevate a handful of royalties, not to mention its vulnerability to thieves and moths. His vision is ‘the light of the morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth’, for such reflects the work of our One Creator, giving life and abundance to all.

All of us in one way or another have been given a trust. A parent, teacher, supervisor, group leader, older brother, or just assigned for the day - - we are called not just to lead but to stand in the gap. We are channels through which His standards and character flows. Prerequisite to success is being connected to the God as the Source. Responsibility without accountability will drain you up. We are limited beings. Without being fed, how do you expect to meet another’s hunger? No expert knows everything. Guess who holds all wisdom unfathomable?  Now accountability without responsibility is a contradiction of terms. Should we praise but not share? Having known and received His riches and grace, should we bury it under ground and expect pleasure from God? Should we give the reason we’re not gifted enough? Were 5, 2 and 1 the point of the parable? David started as a shepherd boy. We start where we are. Under and Over. Together, and in that order.