ESOCS Devotional 1 September
TEXT: 2 Samuel 8: 1-18
MEMORY VERSE: “And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.” Samuel 8:15 KJV
Execution of judgment and justice (by a leader to the people he is leading) is a key leadership quality. For a society to thrive, justice is needed in the family, school, workplace, church, social groupings, political groupings, and in all human activities, etc. Justice means impartiality, righteousness, reasonableness, honesty, or integrity. It means fairness in interpreting the law, leniency in administering punishment, respect for people’s right, and recognition of people’s duty toward God.
King David recognized the importance of leading his people with right judgment and identifying with them even in their plight, and this earned him a name as everything he did pleased the people (2 Sam. 3: 35-36).
Justice characterized his reign. He pursued justice because (1) It was God’s command (Deut. 16: 18-20) and His character (Deut. 32:4). (2) God’s laws were meant to establish a just society. (3) It was in the nation’s best interest because a time would come when everybody would need to rely on justice. (4) At individual level, justice should characterize the way the people related with one another.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
Many world leaders today, (especially in developing countries), have a lot to learn from this leadership quality of David – the political class, traditional rulers, and indeed, church leaders; as they have relegated to the background, the last hope of the common people – justice and equity. In many societies, Traditional Rulers have been bought over, so they compromise. The Political class have no better credential. Again, worrisome is some Church Leaders who base their judgment on personality and status. The same is true of some offices where carnality dictate the administration of justice. Unfortunately, the judiciary, which is the last hope of a nation, is infected with the malign of corruption and injustice too.
God gave man laws for guidance, for good judgment and for a better society. He expects leaders to lead by giving right judgment and justice like David did irrespective of personality and status. Therefore, any leader at any level who (or any nation which) downplays right judgment and justice is neglecting God’s command, and will be answerable to Him.
CHALLENGES
- Write down the challenges you encountered while administering right judgment and justice -political, social, religious, legal (court). Discuss them with your leader and begin to make amends now.
PRAYER POINT:
- Ask God to give you discerning spirit to be able to know what is good and bad.
- Ask God for the spirit of boldness that will enable you face people no matter their class, size, and disposition.
FURTHER READING:2 Samuel 3:31-39; 2 Samuel 9; Romans 2:1-8, 11
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ESOCS Devotional 1 September
