Messed Up Leaders

David, knowing that Saul would continue to pursue him in Israel, went to the land of Philistines and asked the king if he and his servants could live there, in 1 Samuel 27.  King Achish gave him land.  David raided Philistine cities, but told the king he was raiding Israelites.

Why is David acting like this?  He’s being dishonest with the king.  He’s attacking cities without God’s direction or provision.  He’s killing innocent people to accumulate material possessions.  We are getting a good look at David’s human side.  Yes, we know that he’s chosen by God.  Yes, we already know that he will be used by God to lead God’s people.  But didn’t God have someone a little more “God-like” to anoint?  Wasn’t there anyone else a little more pure that God could have chosen?

The fact is that God chooses who He wants to choose to carry out His mission on earth.  And the only people he can choose are imperfect humans!  Most of the time, in the case of David, the humans God chooses are really messed up!  Have you ever questioned why God chose a certain person to carry out ministries around you?  Are you one of those messed up people that God has called?

We don’t understand how or why you do it, Lord, but you’ve anointed us imperfect people to carry out your mission.  Prepare us.  Guide us.  Give us the wisdom and strength to do your will.  Amen.