5/16

2 Samuel 23:3-4

³The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, ⁴he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.

To rule justly is to rule in the fear of God. It is to know that God will deal with every injustice and hold us accountable. It is not only for rulers. We all rule over our own lives. Each and every life can dawn on his or her family like the morning light and like a refreshing rain, if we will live in the fear of God. When I was young I often heard the expression, "God is watching you." Children had a sense of the justice of God. We might be able to hide our actions from men, but never from God who is our final judge. Has our culture talked itself out of the fear of God?

In an earlier chapter, the nation of Israel was enduring a famine. David sought the Lord to know why. He knew the discipline of God was on them for some disobedience. Something had to be made right. People laugh at that thought today. What happened to our nation's fear of God?

If we think we can get away with some injustice because man does not find out, then injustice will be the hallmark of our nation. You do not need to follow that error. Live knowing the Judge is observing all that you do and will hold you accountable for your actions. Live to be the light of morning dawning on people and a refreshing rain to them.

God has said that our sin will find us out (Numbers 32:23). Rarely do men get away with secret injustice even in this life. One lie requires another to prop it up and then another until they all come crashing down like a house of cards. If you consistently tell the truth, you never have to remember what you previously said.

Challenge: Even if all those around you give in to the culture, be an example of life lived in the fear of God. It will not only result in your life being blessed, but it will bless those around you.