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Like many Americans, I tuned in on my television to watch this year’s State of the Union address, eagerly awaiting a word from my president. I could not help but feel the power of the office as our leader was introduced. The herald announced: “The president of the United States,” and all present arose with determined applause.
I marveled at this show of respect toward the president. Republicans and Democrats joined together in unanimity of praise for the nation’s commander in chief. United we stand, right? This notion was quickly dispelled when the commentator reminded us that this standing ovation was a customary show of respect for the office of the presidency, not necessarily for the man in the office. Party lines were re-established by subsequent divided ovations. It became apparent that not all present stood behind the president himself, only the office he held. Others enjoyed the full pleasure of standing behind both the office and the man.
David had a profound appreciation for the office to which he had been anointed. He recognized that the throne was established by God’s decree and was not to be sought by human efforts. Not without ample opportunity, David left the dethroning of Saul to providence. Not without sin, he waited.
To David, the king was not merely a national leader but the “Lord’s anointed” (1 Sam. 24:6, 10; 26:9, 11, 23). He was perplexed by others who did not share this conviction. He understood that those who did not fear God’s anointed king did not fear God Himself. For such, in David’s house, there was no room (Ps. 101).
Some men serve men, and some serve God under men. We are surrounded by both. Authority structures—familial, civil, and ecclesiastical—are ordained by God. Insofar as they do not lead us into sin, we are to follow our leaders. To follow Christ is to recognize earthly authorities as extensions of His dominion.
This runs contrary to our individualistic age. Everyone has opinions. Soon after factions arise, party lines are drawn, authority is usurped, churches split, and the house is divided. Perhaps you’ve heard of such things. David did.
The house of David was divided and his reign was limited, but his throne remains. Now it is occupied by One who is without sin and deserves our undivided allegiance. Do you fear the God of the anointed? Are you serving Christ through the offices He has established?