2 Samuel 4: Consistency

"...when the person told me, 'Look, Saul is dead,' he thought he was a bearer of good news, but I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag.  That was my reward for his news!  How much more when wicked men kill a righteous man in his own house on his own bed!"

2 Samuel 4:10-11a

David, widely regarded as one of Israel's greatest leaders, was not one to get caught up in political stunts.  He was a man of consistent character, who frowned upon evil even when it worked toward his own benefit.  In this passage, David is approached by two men who assassinated Saul's son, Ish-bosheth.  They present his head to David and expect praise for their actions against his enemy, but the king of Judah reacted to this news in the same way he reacted to Saul's death, and Abner's as well.  He mourned, and he slew the men who claimed responsibility for the murderous acts of treason.

Question of the Day:

What better trait to have in a leader than consistency in the face of evil trials?  What better leader than one who rejects bribery and stands up for what he believes is right?  What better man could God have chosen as king over his people at that time?

Prayer of the Day:

Lord, as our country goes through the process of choosing our next set of leaders, move the hearts of Americans to understand the qualities which truly make someone a good leader.  Do not let us be fooled by politicians who spout inconsistencies in their attempt at drawing the votes of diverse populations, but rather help us to focus on candidates who are consistently upstanding individuals and who have a good track-record of standing up for the values You have instilled within all of us.  As you did with King David, choose the right man (or woman) for the job and move the hearts of the people by moving through him (or her) in spectacular and unforgettable ways.  Let us make You the King of our own hearts, so that we might stop looking for that kind of figure in our earthly governments.  Amen.