Day 5

Our Need for a Righteous King

from the Because He Lives reading plan


2 Samuel 7:1-17, 1 Chronicles 28:1-8, Isaiah 33:22, Jeremiah 23:5-6

BY Melanie Rainer

As an undergrad, I studied political science and economics, and spent more hours than I can count learning, arguing, unlearning, and repositioning my political compass. But after four years of study, it was clear to me that there is no perfect form of government, no flawless ideology or leader.

And yet, I find myself wrapped up in the political whirlwind even now. I think, But what if the promises are true? What if this person really can make a difference? What if she or he will make my life easier, my money stretch farther, my kids safer?

It is easy to fall into the same trap as the Israelites oh-so long ago. When things get tough, personally or globally, the lure of a strong leader is hard to resist. They must have thought, What if we had a king to protect us from our enemies? What if we had someone who could make us into a strong nation?

God gave Israel a king: first Saul, then the great King David, then Solomon. Saul fought for them, David led them, and Solomon dispensed wisdom from his throne. But ultimately, these men failed, as all earthly kings do. This narrative is a rather simple one to unpack: the people asked for a king, God gave them kings, those kings failed, and then God promised to send them the real King, all of which is true, of course.

But our need for a king goes back further than Solomon, David, and Saul. It goes back to the garden, when Adam and Eve walked with God and the serpent tempted them with power. Because isn’t that the root of our desire for a king? Power. Power over our enemies, our circumstances, and our future.

From the beginning, God was wiring us for a king and setting the stage for the King of kings. He called Abraham to become the father of a nation. He called Moses and His people to a land. He gave Moses a law rooted in His character, brimming with justice and righteousness. He sent judges to call His people back to Him, to remind them of the boundaries the law provided. And then He gave them earthly kings, men whose résumés were filled with both successes and failures but who, ultimately, could never be the King the people truly needed.

In Jeremiah, during the cycle of mostly terrible kings, the prophet wrote on behalf of the Lord: “I will raise up a Righteous Branch… He will reign wisely as king and administer justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. This is the name he will be called: The LORD Is Our Righteousness” (23:5–6).

This was the promise, but also the deep desire, God had sown into the hearts of His people. The pieces were there: a people, a land, a just law. But the King was missing, and one day, the King would come.

Post Comments (43)

43 thoughts on "Our Need for a Righteous King"

  1. Adyley Gibson says:

    My Dad and I were having this conversation about the current political leader where we live, and I was so frustrated and upset, I asked myself “why would God let this incompetent person lead our nation” but then I remembered our true home lies in heaven, our Real and Righteous leader of not one nation but ALL OF THEM is God! The creator of all things. He has a purpose for us on this earth right now! He can satisfy every need and he cares more for us than anybody on earth. Praise you God for your abundant love and kind heart!

  2. Heidi Lieser says:

    There is only one true king! I pray that I follow and lean on HIS guidance instead of my own. He has the power and I’ll wait until I can sit at His feet.

  3. Melissa Rosario says:

    This answers so much I’ve been wrestling in my own heart especialy with the current political climate. We want the government to stay out of certain parts of your lives and then rely on that very same government (person in power) to change it all.

  4. Holly Karhoff says:

    I’m so thankful we have a mighty and just King and that he is the ultimate ruler over us, his people. For now I will work on being faithful and patient in waiting on His return. I will trust in His timing and plans.

  5. Taylor says:

    “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”
    I love this promise Nathan spoke over David in 2 Samuel 7. It’s something that I’ve been wrestling with lately. When I’m walking in step with His Spirit, the hopes, dreams, and desires that are on my heart are placed there directly by God in His kingship. He is fully sovereign over the ways of my heart. When I’m becoming more and more like the image of God, my heart is in alignment with my Father’s. His hopes become mine. He is calling us to go and do what He has placed on our hearts.

    1. Tara Moran says:

      Thank you for this inspiration!!! He is so good and we have to trust in Him fully in order to live like Him!!

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