The Heart of the King
PROVERBS 21:1-6, 10-13; PSALM 119; LUKE 8:19-21
The first reading reminds us of God’s absolute sovereignty over all creation, particularly the hearts of leaders. Proverbs 21:1 declares, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”
This verse echoes throughout biblical history: God gave Joseph favor before Pharaoh (Gen 41:39-40), God made Saul speak well of David (1 Sam 26:25), God made Nebuchadnezzar favour Jeremiah (Jer 39:11-12) and God made Darius favour Daniel (Dan 6:3,14)
The king’s heart, symbolizing authority and power, is subject to God’s will (Romans 13:1). Your destiny is not in the hands of your enemy, but in the hands of God. Stop fighting men. Stop trying to manipulate who will help you. Be faithful in your little corner, remain truthful, merciful and prayerful, and God will turn the heart of your own Pharaoh, Saul, Nebuchadnezzar and Darius in your favour. Sometimes the person fighting you will be the same person God will use to lift you.
Again, the first reading, Proverb 21:3 emphasizes that righteousness and justice surpass sacrifices and offerings in importance (you see that again in 1 Samuel 15:22 ..”to obey is better than sacrifice..” Hosea 6:6″For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings”). God is not impressed by big offering, long prayer, or loud worship if our life is unjust. He wants right living first, before gifts. Be good first, before trying to look holy.
Timothy Keller aptly notes, “Righteousness is not just a moral virtue, but a relational imperative.” Righteousness no be only to avoid sin for your own corner. Na to make sure say your neighbor get justice. So righteousness is not just “I am not doing evil”, it is “I am actively doing what is right to restore relationship between God, people, and community.” Keller adds “imperative” – it’s not optional advice, it’s a command. You must live it out in relationship.
In the gospel Jesus teaches that true family membership comes from obeying God’s will (also seen in Mark 3:31-35). Let us nurture our relationship with Jesus through submission and obedience.
Prayer:
Lord, we acknowledge Your sovereignty over all creation. Shape our hearts and the hearts of leaders to align with Your will. May our righteousness and justice reflect Your character. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
