Monday Thought -- October 10, 2011

Good Morning Friends,

After Saul was killed, David became king and set up his throne in Jerusalem.  The people knew that the Lord had declared David king, “All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, ‘We are your own flesh and blood.  In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns.  And the Lord said to you, “You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.”’” (2 Samuel 5:1-2)

The mark of David’s reign as king was his relationship with the Lord.

It was the Lord who established and strengthened David’s leadership, “And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him.” (2 Samuel 5:10)

David knew and acknowledged the Lord’s hand in making him king, “And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.” (2 Samuel 5:12)

When the enemies of David and Israel came to attack, David did not respond with pride, demonstrating his own strength, but first by inquiring of the Lord about how to respond to their threats.  David understood that he was strong, only as he followed the Lord, only as the Lord provided him with strength.

“Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go and attack the Philistines?  Will you hand them over to me?’  The Lord answered him, ‘Go, for I will surely hand the Philistines over to you.’  So David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them.” (2 Samuel 5:18-20)

“Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the Lord, and he answered, ‘Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.  As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.’  So David did as the Lord commanded him.” (2 Samuel 5:22-25)

David --

Acknowledged the Lord.

Trusted the Lord.

Inquired of the Lord.

Obeyed the Lord.

And God blessed David and his kingdom because of David’s faithfulness to Him.  The primary mark of David’s life was his relationship with God.  What is the primary mark of your life?

His, by Grace,

Steve