Read 1 Chronicles 11
Highlights:
A new era in the life of David begins as he is finally anointed king by both Judah and Israel. Don't miss the "honor roll" of David's mighty men and their achievements. Note how the men of Israel gather with David to present a united front.
The Lord had told David: Thou shalt be ruler over My people Israel (I Chr. 11:2). But many years of trials, suffering, and patient waiting preceded the promised reign of David over all the tribes of Israel. The ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom did not decide to make David king even after Saul and his sons were killed — not until Abner and Ish-bosheth were both dead. They waited until there was no one left who belonged to the house of Saul except crippled Mephibosheth, who was then only twelve years old. When it appeared they had no other choice, they anointed David and desired that he be their king.
Early in his life, David recognized the sovereignty of God and the futility of human ability without God. Throughout his life, David never lost sight of his youthful conviction that he expressed before King Saul: The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine (I Sam. 17:37).
When we recognize the authority of God and yield to His will, then we will see that all personal influence and abilities are gifts of the sovereign God, bestowed lovingly by Him for rewards in heaven for all eternity. It may mean waiting patiently many years and going through difficult circumstances, as David did.
In many respects, David's problems parallel situations that we may face today. Just as surely as the Lord gives us an opportunity to accomplish something for His honor, obstacles will also arise to test our faith. It may be a financial situation that seems hopeless, or simply a feeling of inability to cope with problems. For some of us, not much opposition is needed before we feel there is no use in even trying. Whatever the case, overcoming these difficulties may seem as impossible to us as becoming king seemed to David. The Lord never promised an easy road for any of His followers. In fact, Jesus said: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me (Luke 9:23). The way of the cross often means intense suffering and long and lonely days. But when we submit to the authority of Christ as Lord over our lives, we will patiently look to Him in faith for direction and strength and He will provide it.
At the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth . . . And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:10-11).
Thought for Today:
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a Rock, and established my goings (Ps. 40:2).
Christ Portrayed:
By David, the anointed king (I Chr. 11:3). Christ is the Anointed One who will soon reign forever as KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev. 19:16).
Word Studies:
11:16 hold, stronghold; 12:1 close, restricted in his movements; in hiding; 12:17 knit, joined, united; 12:19 fell . . . to David, shifted allegiance to David.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Sec. Kathleen Sebelius (Dept. of Health & Human Services) • Country: Ghana (19 million) in western Africa • Major languages: English and African languages • The government permits freedom to churches and missionaries that do not get involved in politics • 31% belief in spirits and witches; 22% Protestant; 17% Muslim; 11% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that your life will be a good testimony to others, even when faced with opposition (I Pet. 2:12).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 2
Memory Verse for the Week: John 15:7