S ) "5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead, and said to them, 'May you be blessed of the LORD because you have shown this kindness to Saul your lord, and have buried him.'"
2 Samuel 2:5 (NASB)
O) David's deep loyalty and conviction about his support of Saul, moved him to bless those who remained loyal to their king in his death. It's important to understand the context of what was happening here, though. David was going to take the throne that Saul vacated (he knew that, since he had been anointed by Samuel), but Saul still had a son alive (Ish-Bosheth). Showing open support of Saul ran the risk of people thinking David might support Saul's line of succession (though he clearly did not, as we learn through the coming chapters). However, just as David honored the anointed of the LORD in Saul's life, he also honored him in Saul's death. Ultimately, this is because David feared the LORD Himself, not the titles of men. It was the fact that Saul was anointed, that motivated David's attitude toward Saul. David saw any disrespect of Saul to be a direct opposition to the LORD, and he wouldn't allow it. He blessed the men of Jabesh-gilead because they were being faithful stewards of a man that God had blessed at one time.
A) Praying for bad leadership takes careful humility. I have no doubts at all, that God had blessed the leadership of my country at one point in history. I have firm belief that God still elects leadership (see Romans 12:1), but I am not so certain our country is pleasing to the LORD, now. However, it would still be proper for me to follow David's example, to honor the leadership of my country because of who God is, not because of what my leadership is doing. In the same way, I should recognize when other people honor my country and its leadership, even if I do not support everything that's happening politically or morally. This seems especially important as it pertains to respecting, blessing, and praying for the soldiers who defend this country and protect its leadership. After all, this country (for all of its faults) is still the best country in the world - especially from a Christian perspective (I think).
P) Father, whether You are actively blessing the leadership of this country or not, I'm not sure. I do know that You once did. I also know that You're still sovereign in electing leadership and authority (as hard as that is to define sometimes). I also know that it is proper for me to respect and bless those who support my country. After all, I still live here and being a disciple of Christ is easier in this country than it is in lots and lots of other countries. Help me to be mindful, Lord, to glorify You when I honor the authorities in my country. Your glory is the goal of my life, and it should show in my political support - even when it seems like the leadership of my country is gravely mistaken. Please continue to bless my country, as it is my residence and the place of my descendants as far as I can tell. Let me be faithful to You, seeking You first and foremost, and let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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