In the Reformed church, we confess that the Lord Jesus Christ has a triple-anointing: He is Prophet, Priest and King. (See The Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 12.) We also see this anointing in part upon those who were types of the coming and promised Savior. That is, Abraham, for example, was a priest and a king as a type of Christ. Solomon is another prime example of this typology. He was a type as he functioned as a prophet and king and even a little as a priest. In our text today, King David clearly functions as both king and priest. In this case, his sinful actions as king brought disaster to the covenant people of God. Eventually, David intercedes for the people (as a priest) and the judgment is halted. In the lands where the gospel has made an impact, the civil leaders (kings) no longer function as prophets and/or priests. Yet, their actions, or inaction, do still have an impact and can bring God's blessing or His judgment which encompasses the people of God. Politics and the church are not as separate as you might think. Meditate upon this as you go to the polls. – Pastor Schlegel |
