I Samuel 26:11 "The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD'S anointed...
Is David setting a precedent here that God's leader (God Himself had Samuel anoint Saul) can lead with impunity? That the God-called pastor is untouchable? That he can rule and lead the church without being questioned? That he is 100% accountable to God and God alone?
I, personally, do not see it this way; although, I've heard many use this verse to assert that exact mindset.
I believe that the principle involved is this, God will most certainly deal with the anointed leader who sins and He may very well use you or me to deal with him. But, like David, we must be very certain to determine whether or not God is leading us to "stretch out our hand against the LORD's anointed." If He is not leading us in that fashion, I think we'd better leave it to God and those whom God does lead to deal with the errant leader.
If he is leading us to "stretch out our hand against the LORD's anointed," then we would be wise to remember another important biblical principle: "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1).
Is David setting a precedent here that God's leader (God Himself had Samuel anoint Saul) can lead with impunity? That the God-called pastor is untouchable? That he can rule and lead the church without being questioned? That he is 100% accountable to God and God alone?
I, personally, do not see it this way; although, I've heard many use this verse to assert that exact mindset.
I believe that the principle involved is this, God will most certainly deal with the anointed leader who sins and He may very well use you or me to deal with him. But, like David, we must be very certain to determine whether or not God is leading us to "stretch out our hand against the LORD's anointed." If He is not leading us in that fashion, I think we'd better leave it to God and those whom God does lead to deal with the errant leader.
If he is leading us to "stretch out our hand against the LORD's anointed," then we would be wise to remember another important biblical principle: "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1).