Bible Passage:  2 Samuel 23

David was perhaps one of the most colourful characters in the Old Testament. He led a life that was pleasing to God and at times in grave opposition to God. He led a life of fear and of peace. He made wise decisions and also foolish ones. He had his physical weaknesses but at the same time his humility to man and to God was his greatest strength.

His last words spoken talked about him being the anointed of God that not only he was a psalmist but also a spokesperson of God’s words to his people. God spoke to him telling him that as the king of Israel, he had to execute justice in the fear of God. He also had to put his house in order, as there were still factions and divisions in his house.  This can be seen when he instructed Solomon on his deathbed, to put the house in order and to execute justice on those who had done evil.

Likewise, although we are not kings, some of us are heads of our households, RE teachers and leaders. God’s requirement for us is the same as David’s in that we as leaders or in biblical terms, shepherds have to be just in the way we handle matters and to be active in ensuring peace; sometimes that would require punishments of certain individuals.

David in his times of weaknesses did not address the divisions and evil that occurred in his watch as king. In so doing, many people including righteous people died as a result. In his old age, the Lord reminded him the need to execute justice and not to leave those who had done evil get a way scott free. The real reason why David failed in this was that he himself dwelt unjustly to Uriah; stealing his beautiful wife and deliberately causing the death of Uriah (and we know, he even asked Joab to do the dirty work…). Therefore there was in no way David could actually execute justice on Joab when he was alive on moral grounds.

In these last days, let us not forget about doing justly in the fear of God. Our God, Our Lord Jesus will come on Judgment Day to execute his fiery justice on those who are evil. If we do not act justly to those around us, we would be numbered as those who are evil.

As a reminder for all of us,

“He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still. “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” (Rev 22:11-12)