Scripture
‘Zadok was there, too, and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city. Then the king said to Zadok, “Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the Lord ’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him.” ‘
Observation
David was on the run from his son Absalom, and had every right to feel defensive. Those closest to him had betrayed him, and now his life, his family, and his kingdom were all on the verge of disaster. It would have been completely understandable for David to insist that the Ark of the Covenant stay with him on the run, to keep the presence of God close to him. David however, in a stunning display of humility and unshakable trust in God, sent the priests back to Jerusalem with the Ark of the Covenant. David understood that his anointing came from God, and that God had every right to anoint someone else whenever He chose. David chose not to focus on his own personal discomfort, and instead made his decision for the good of the nation. Whether or not David was king, the people of Israel still needed a place to worship God. Whether or not David was king, the kingdom entrusted to him still needed stability and divine guidance. David’s humility and trust in God were great enough that even in the darkest moment, he was able to take his eyes off of his own misery and instead make decisions for the good of the nation…the mark of a true and godly king.
Application
When I am feeling attacked and mistreated, it’s easy for me to just focus on my own situation and the unfairness of life. It’s easy to descend into a pity party of gloom, and ignore the needs of those around me. This passage about David reminds me that my God-given responsibilities and callings do not come and go based on my level of happiness or discomfort. The mark of a godly leader is one who cares for those under their leadership, even when personally under attack. The mark of a godly leader is one who recognizes that anointing comes from God, and it is His to give or take away as He sees fit. This week, I need to be mindful of how I respond under pressure. Do I withdraw into a pity party of self-absorbed gloom and ignore the needs of those for whom I am responsible, or do I choose instead to make sure that their needs are met, even as I rely on God to supply my own needs? When circumstances are moving and changing, do I panic and obsess about my position and the things that I think belong to me, or do I trust that all I have comes from God, to give or take as He chooses?
In the immortal words of the great theologian Freddie Mercury,
Love’s such an old-fashioned word,
And love dares you to care for the people on the edge of the night,
And love dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves.
This is our last dance.
This is ourselves.
Under pressure.
Prayer
God, help me this week to focus less on me, and more on those under my care. Help me to trust that You are in control, and you will accomplish the things that You desire, through every circumstance. Help me to remember that all I have comes from You, and choose to hold the things of this life with an open hand, for You to use as You see fit, to give or to take away. Thank you that no matter the circumstances, You remain faithful. Help me to be the man that You want me to be ‘Under Pressure’.