I am writing this the day before the general election. By the time you read it, the results will be known. When Israel chose David to be King the decision appears unanimous. Our view of who is elected will be more diverse and you may now be jubilant, mourning, angry, anxious or cautiously optimistic.
Record numbers of new MPs are expected to arrive in Westminster this weekend. This could be an overwhelming time; learning to navigate the maze of buildings, understand constitutional standards and parliamentary procedures, master the skills to set up and run a constituency office, and deal with the immense influx of needs and demands from constituents. We expect a lot of our leaders: high moral standards, knowledge, skill, compassion, wisdom. It is right that we do, but it is a lot for anyone to live up to.
A lot was expected of David too, and with God apparently on his side he defeated multiple armies and established Israel as a prosperous nation. It’s an image of God that feels extremely uncomfortable today – although we’re all in danger of assuming God is on ‘our side’ when it comes to political debate and even certain politicians. Ultimately David didn’t live up to moral expectations. But his repentance and dependence on God point us towards a new way to understand what it means for God to be ‘with us’.
We are urged (in the first letter to Timothy) to make supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings for our leaders. So, today I am thankful for the hundreds of people who are willing to take on the demanding life of a politician. And I am asking God to be with each one of them, through every failing, and on every side.
Susannah Woodd
