Something about the actions of man will always come before the judgment of God. And the decision-making leadership actions of men/women over the lives and destinies of others must also pass the judgment of God.
The war-mongering actions of the Syrians, and the simultaneous battles with their Jordanian cousins, left Israel battling on at least two fronts. Time and time again, God has protected and saved Israel from military excursions within and without her borders. Yet, while lives were being lost, and the saber-rattling continued, the “king,” safe in his own quarters, becomes preoccupied with his own pleasures and desires.
Inevitably, amid crises – and even “at the time when kings go forth to battle,” man, especially those in leadership capacities, will find, even make, the time to satisfy his own desires and lusts. He was (is) important. He had (has) power. What he wanted (wants) was his focus. After all, “If I want her, she will surely want me. As a matter of fact, I don’t even have to ask. Because of who I am, I can do whatever I want to do whenever I want.” There was no phone call, no email, no text, no tweet. Just a directive to some subordinates – “I want her. Bring her to me.”
The current national and international crises were no longer the order of the day. The lives of those obeying his previous military directives were not the focus for the moment. Only his personal desires. Because of who he was, she (they) came. Because of who he was, she (they) did what he said do. It was not long after that the human consequences of his deeds were undeniably and non-transferably made known to him. And the social – even political – complications would also be revealed. She was married. Her husband was one of his faithful soldiers. Something had to be done to make this thing go away. Quick! Bring him home. Let him enjoy the benefits of marriage. Surely, no one will seek DNA validation then.
But, that husband’s faithfulness to his military commitment – and others with their personal commitment and to his marriage prevented him from even his cherished personal desires. Something else must be done. If he won’t go in, then we must take him out. Put him on the front line – in the heat of the battle! Let the “enemy” – whoever he is – take him out! Who else will know the difference?
Jesus reminds us in Luke 12:3 that “the things done in the dark will soon come to light.” Sooner or later, the truth will be revealed. Unfortunately, far too many people in power have not come to that light. Many deny the truth, even when the light shines on them. Denial and accusations of “false news” become their response. Many even seek to cover their misdeeds with semblances of good deeds.
Yet, the truth is not controlled by, not subject to the will of man. The truth, however, it may be distorted or denied, remains in the hands of God. And sooner, or later, God will speak, and act.
And when he speaks, God’s word will be heard – especially by those who are assigned and committed to represent and speak for him. And the truth of God will be affirmed, especially to those who reject it.
So, God spoke to one who stood up for and on the word and the truth of God. He told Nathan the Prophet what to say and how to say it to the very one who sought to distort the truth. That official acknowledgment of God’s displeasure of his deed and his consequential directive is recorded in the heavenly record (2 Samuel 11:27-12:12).
God knows how to reach the mind and heart of every “lowly shepherd,” and to all who have risen and/or are trying to rise to the heights of “kingship.” Every man and woman, leader and follower, has their “ewe lamb.” Every man and woman, every governmental leader, has that precious thing(s) of personally intrinsic value that reveals the inner truth about themselves. And when that moment comes, that person will have to deal with God about themselves. And the consequences of their “kingship” mentalities and actions.
Sooner, or later, everybody will soon have to face their “ewe lamb” moment. And when that (those) moment(s) come, the indisputable and irreversible eternal judgment of God shall prevail. All shall face the moral truth of God and must decide whether to confess their misdeeds (sins) and face the Judgment of God and receive forgiveness and reconciliation, or to reject the Judgment of God and receive retribution and damnation. You will reap all that you shall have sown.
To every leader and follower – listen to the lambs, and to God.
This article appears in July 24-30, 2025.
