1 Chronicles 21:17 David said to God, “Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I am the one who has sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? O Lord my God, let your hand fall upon me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.”

Little wonder David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. He wasn’t perfect and he knew it, but he had grasped the importance of a broken and a contrite heart before God. Every so often he would make mistakes, but he would turn to God and, in full disclosure, ask to be forgiven and restored to fellowship. In 1 Chronicles 21 we see the dynamics of David’s relationship to God played out. When David repented, God gave his angel the order to cease the slaughter of the people. Oh that today our leaders would take that posture! It would make all the difference in the lives of everyone at home and abroad.

Instead, we listen daily to the rhetoric and realize that for all intents and purposes, no account is taken of God by those who lead. So we hear the continuing echo from one and all: “what in the world is going on?” The fact is that God has given man free will and does allow even despots to rule for a time. But oh the price that is sometimes paid by those whom they govern! Any number of countries comes to mind in this moment.

God has told us that he stands ready to heal our lands at all times when we repent of wrong and cry out to Him. (See 2 Chronicles 7:14).  So there is no need to despair that God is not in charge or doesn’t see what is happening. We who believe can intercede.

            “The Lord God has not relinquished ruler-ship of the earth to mortal men. He stands above the circle of the earth and observes our doings. The things which displease him are well documented. In his time he will reveal himself. In judgment he will come to set right the equity which he deems appropriate. Man is not capable of judging aright. Only God can.”