Bible Pathway - April 11, 2012
Read 2 Samuel 1
Highlights:
David mourns the death of Saul and Jonathan; David made king over Judah at Hebron; Ish-bosheth made king over Israel.
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. . . . but Abner . . . captain of Saul's host, took Ish-bosheth the son of Saul . . . And made him king . . . over all Israel (II Sam. 2:4,8-9).
What a temptation it must have been for David! Saul was dead and Samuel had anointed David to be king over all the nation many years earlier. Yet, David prayed and waited for direction from God rather than insisting on his rights to the throne. The fruits of his waiting are recorded, however, in the next chapter.
David had to wait seven years after Saul's death before he could assume leadership over all the tribes. If David had not prayed for guidance, he would not have accepted this delay. However, he acknowledged complete dependence upon God, who had chosen him as king.
One of David's greatest desires was to worship the Lord in the Temple at Jerusalem. With this in mind, we can better appreciate his patience in waiting for the Lord's appointed time (see Ps. 27:4).
During the next seven years of civil war, David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker (3:1). Finally Abner, former captain of Saul's army admitted: the Lord hath sworn . . . to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah (3:9-10).
In our fast-moving society Christians are confronted over and over again with the temptation to rush through life, hoping God will bless our hurried efforts. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths (Prov. 3:5-6).
So often we tend to get ahead of the Lord in our eagerness to have something. But there is a peaceful rest for those who wait patiently for the Lord's timing. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him . . . fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. . . . those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth (Ps. 37:7-9).
All who seek the will of God and wait for His timing will ultimately gain His victory.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:57).
Thought for Today:
Spiritual victory is not dependent on human strength.
Christ Revealed:
In David's sorrowful poem (II Sam. 1:17-27). He did not dwell upon all his years of suffering at the hand of Saul but dwelt only upon the pleasant things. David typifies Christ, who forgave His enemies, crying from the cross: Father, forgive them (Luke 23:34).
Word Studies:
1:2 did obeisance, bowed in honor; 1:9 anguish, extreme pain; 1:18 use of the bow, song of the bow; 2:6 requite, repay; 2:14 play before us, hold a contest as to which side has the best soldiers; 2:17 sore, fierce; 2:26 following, pursuing; 2:32 sepulchre, tomb.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Country: Bahamas (284,000) in the northern portion of the West Indies • Major languages: English and some Creole • Religious freedom • 72% Protestant; 26% Roman Catholic; 1% Afro-American spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for wisdom as you read His Word, and it will be given to you (James 1:5).
Optional Reading: Acts 12
Memory Verse for the Week: John 11:25
