Bible Pathway - May 16, 2010
Highlights:
David is blessed by God and his reign prospers. Ark of the Covenant brought to Jerusalem with much thanksgiving. See how our sacrifices are vital to our worship (I Chr. 15:16-24).
During the forty years that Saul reigned over Israel (Acts 13:21), the Ark was ignored. But when David became king, he was deeply concerned that the Ark have a central place in his kingdom. He knew that the nation's success depended upon the presence of God being in their midst, so he said: Let us bring again the Ark of our God to us: for we inquired not at it in the days of Saul (I Chr. 13:3).
David first attempted to bring the Ark to Jerusalem on a new cart drawn by oxen, which violated of the Law of God (Ex. 25:13-15; Num. 4:15; 7:9). As Uzzah reached out to steady the tilting Ark on the cart, he was struck dead (II Sam. 6:1-8).
On the second occasion David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the Ark of the Lord unto his place, which he had prepared for it (I Chr. 15:3). David carefully obeyed the Word of God, telling the priests to sanctify themselves and bear the Ark of God upon their shoulders as Moses commanded according to the Word of the Lord (15:11-15).
For that day, David was inspired to write a psalm for his choir to sing. It still lifts our spirits as we worship our wonderful Lord. David proclaimed to the world: Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His Name; make known His deeds among the people. . . . sing psalms unto Him. . . . rejoice. . . . Be ye mindful always of His Covenant (Agreement); the Word which He commanded to a thousand generations. . . . Declare His glory among the heathen. . . . For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. . . . bring an offering, and come before Him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. . . . the Lord reigneth (16:8-31).
Is it any surprise that God called David a man after Mine own heart (Acts 13:22; I Sam. 13:14)? Yes, our Creator is still in control and the world needs to hear us praise the Lord and talk of all His wonderful blessings.
The work of God must be done His way if He is to be glorified. As we serve the Lord according to His Word we receive His blessing. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverance and godly fear (Heb. 12:28).
Thought for Today:
Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:6-7).
Christ Revealed:
Through David's fame and exaltation (I Chr. 14:17). God highly exalted Christ, our Redeemer, and gave Him a Name which is above every name (Phil. 2:9-11).
Word Studies:
14:13 spread themselves abroad =made a raid, invaded.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (MI) and Rep. James Moran (VA) • Country: Jordan (5 million) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Religious tolerance • 93% Muslim; 5% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Diligently seek the Lord in prayer and He will bless your efforts (Heb. 11:6).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:5
